Vehicular Seating Assembly, System and Method

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to a vehicular seating assembly including a plurality of forward facing seating configurations and a rearward facing seating configuration, the rearward facing seating configuration including an infant seat carrier operationally configured to be concealed from view when the seating assembly is set at a forward facing seating configuration, wherein the infant seat carrier is releasably attachable to the seat member assembly for vehicular seating assembly use and releasably attachable to vehicular child anchors for standalone use of the infant seat carrier apart from the seating assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The application relates generally to vehicular seating including seatingconfigured for use by persons of varying size and/or age and/or weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the laws and regulations of most governing bodies, infantsand children must be secured when traveling in a vehicle such as anautomobile in the event of a collision or sudden stoppage of thevehicle. As a result, over time various classes of vehicular passengerseats have been developed to accommodate persons of varying size and/orage and/or weight. In other words, different types of passenger seatshave been manufactured for holding infants, toddlers, small children andpersons otherwise too small to utilize the seat restraint provided aspart of the vehicle. What is needed is a vehicular passenger seat,either OEM or a replacement seat, capable of holding and securingpersons of varying size, age and weight—from infancy to adulthood.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a vehicular seating assemblyhaving a seat member assembly and a backrest member assembly, thevehicular seating assembly including a plurality of vehicular forwardfacing seating configurations and a plurality of vehicular rearwardfacing seating configurations, the rearward facing seating configurationincluding an infant seat carrier operationally configured to beconcealed from view when the seating assembly is set at a forward facingseating configuration, the infant seat carrier being (1) releasablyattachable to the seat member assembly for rearward facing seating useand (2) releasably attachable to vehicular child anchors for standalonevehicular use apart from the seating assembly.

The present application is also directed to a vehicular seating assemblyincluding (1) a mounting chassis fixable to one or more vehicularsurfaces, (2) a seat member assembly attached to the mounting chassis,the seat member assembly having a pivotal seat member defining a firstseat surface and an opposing underside surface including a mountingassembly disposed along the underside surface, (3) a backrest memberassembly attached to the mounting chassis, the backrest member assemblyhaving a pivotal first backrest member defining a first backrest surfacewhen the first backrest member is set at an upright position, and (4) aninfant seat carrier releasably attachable to the mounting assembly.

The present application is also directed to an infant seat carrierincluding (a) a seat surface member having a center longitudinal planeand a backrest surface member having a center longitudinal plane, thebackrest surface member being pivotally attached to the seat surfacemember at opposing pivot axis junctions wherein the seat surface memberand backrest surface member are pivotal between (1) a closed positionwherein said center longitudinal planes are oriented in a substantiallyparallel alignment and (2) one or more open positions including openpositions wherein the center longitudinal planes define obtuse angles;(b) one or more connectors releasably attachable to vehicular childanchors; and (c) at least a first locking mechanism operable with one ofthe pivot axis junctions, the first locking mechanism beingoperationally configured to dictate pivotal movement of the seat surfacemember and the backrest surface member between said closed position andsaid one or more open positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilledin the art once the invention has been shown and described. The mannerin which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can beobtained is explained in the following description and attached figuresin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates various car type vehicular seats recommended by theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics as of the time of this application;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicularseating assembly of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 2 in a collapsed or fold-down position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the vehicular seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a chassis of the vehicular seating assemblyof FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of a reclining system usable with thevehicular seating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 2 including a seat at a raised altitude;

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail view of a lift system of the vehicularseating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a phantom perspective detail view of part of the lift systemof FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of the liftsystem of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is another exploded perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a spring biased gear assemblyof the actuator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shaft assembly of the actuator ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective detail view of part of the lift system of FIG.8;

FIG. 15 is a back detail view of part of the vehicular seating assemblyof FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an actuator of the lift system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 17 is another front view of an actuator of the lift system of FIG.8;

FIG. 18 is another front view of an actuator of the lift system of FIG.8;

FIG. 19 is another front view of an actuator of the lift system of FIG.8;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 2 with part of the backrest member positioned to form a sittingsurface;

FIG. 21 is an elevated side view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 20 detailing a safety harness system;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a buckle portion of the safety harnesssystem of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second back surfaceof a backrest member;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a second backsurface of a backrest member;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a second backsurface of a backrest member;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the second backsurface of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a detail view of a slidable assembly of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an elevated sectional side view of an embodiment of a safetyharness system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 30 is another elevated sectional side view of an embodiment of asafety harness system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 31 is another second back surface of the present application;

FIG. 32 is a view of the inner surface of the second back surface ofFIG. 31 including an embodiment of a tensioner system;

FIG. 33 is a perspective detail view of the tensioner system of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 another second back surface of the present application;

FIG. 35 is a view of the inner surface of the second back surface ofFIG. 34 including an embodiment of a tensioner system;

FIG. 36 is a perspective detail view of the tensioner system of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective detail view of the vehicular seating assemblyhighlighting the exposed side guard member where the backrest member isin a fold-out position;

FIG. 38 is another perspective detail view of the vehicular seatingassembly highlighting the exposed side guard member wherein the backrestmember is in a partially raised position;

FIG. 39 is another perspective detail view of the vehicular seatingassembly highlighting the exposed side guard member wherein the backrestmember is in a fully raised position;

FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 20 including extensible side shielding;

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 2 set to an infant passenger position;

FIG. 42 is an elevated side view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view illustrating a carrier in an attachedposition with an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

FIG. 44 is a view of the carrier and adapter assembly of FIG. 43including a handle partially removed exposing the junction of rotationof the handle and carrier for adjusting the reclining angle of thecarrier;

FIG. 45 is a sectional detail view of a locking gear assembly in a firstposition;

FIG. 46 is a sectional detail view of the locking gear assembly of FIG.45 in a second position;

FIG. 47 is a sectional detail view of the locking gear assembly of FIG.45 in a third position;

FIG. 48 is an elevated side view of the vehicular seating assembly ofFIG. 42 including an infant carrier separated apart from the assembly;

FIG. 49 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an infantcarrier;

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an infantcarrier;

FIG. 51 is a perspective partial phantom view of an adapter assembly ofthe present application;

FIG. 52 is a perspective partial phantom view of a simplified infantcarrier and anchor assembly of the adapter assembly of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter assembly;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another exemplary adapter assembly;

FIG. 55 is a perspective phantom detail view of part of an adapterassembly of the present application;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another adapter assembly of the presentapplication;

FIG. 57 is another perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a simplified side view of a carrier partially attached to theadapter assembly of FIG. 56.

FIG. 59 is a perspective partially phantom view of the carrier of FIG.58 in an attached position with the adapter assembly.

FIG. 60 is another embodiment of an infant carrier;

FIG. 61 is another embodiment of an infant carrier;

FIG. 62 is another embodiment of an infant carrier;

FIG. 63 is another embodiment of an infant carrier;

FIG. 64 is another embodiment of an infant carrier;

FIG. 65 is another view of the vehicular seating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of exemplary side guard members attachedto a second back surface member.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by thosereasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are notnecessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood thatthe present vehicular seating assembly, system and method are notlimited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thisspecification and the appended claims, OEM means “original equipmentmanufacturer.” The term “vehicle” may include any passenger vessel ordevice typically used for transport purposes. Suitable vehicles mayinclude, but are not necessarily limited to land based vehicles,aircraft, spacecraft, and watercraft. Suitable land based vehicles mayinclude road transport vehicles, rail transport vehicles and magneticlevitation transport vehicles. Suitable road transport vehicles include,but are not necessarily limited to motor vehicles such as automobiles,i.e., cars, trucks and buses, wheeled machinery such as tractors and thelike. Suitable rail transport vehicles include, but are not necessarilylimited to passenger rail track trains and passenger monorail trains.Suitable aircraft include, but are not necessarily limited to fixed wingpassenger airplanes, rotorcraft, fixed wing gliders, non-rigid airships,e.g., blimps, semi-rigid and/or rigid airships such as Zeppelins.Suitable watercraft include, but are not necessarily limited to ships,boats, hovercraft, and submarines.

The terms “adult” and “child” can be broadly defined as larger andsmaller persons and not necessarily limited to any particular age or agerange. The term “infant” herein refers to any child or baby of age andsize that is typically required to be secured in rear-facing vehicularseat when acting as a passenger in a vehicle according to applicablelaws and regulations. As understood by the skilled artisan, an infantmay include an individual having one or more disabilities requiring seatrestraints typically reserved for infants. Because the scope of what oneor more governing and/or regulatory bodies may deem to be a human“infant” may vary, the term as used herein is not meant to be limited toany particular age, height and/or weight. As a non-limiting example, atthe time of this application the United States Department of Health andHuman Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevent defines infantsas persons up to one year in age. Herein, the term “passenger” refers toa person seated in the seating assembly during use thereof. The term“law” or “laws” may include one or more laws, rules, regulations and/orindustry standards according to one or more governing bodies orjurisdictions in which the present invention is contemplated for useworldwide. For example, as of the date of the filing of this applicationthe United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention recommends car type vehicular seatsaccording to the classes recommended by the American Academy ofPediatrics as presented below and as shown in FIG. 1:

1. Birth Up to Age Two (2): Rear-Facing Car Seat

For the best possible protection, infants and children should be buckledin a rear-facing car seat, in the back seat, until age two or when theyreach the upper weight or height limits of their particular seat. Checkthe seat's owner's manual and/or labels on the seat for weight andheight limits.

2. Age Two (2) Up to at Least Age Five (5): Forward-Facing Car Seat

When children outgrow their rear-facing seats they should be buckled ina forward-facing car seat, in the back seat, until at least age five orwhen they reach the upper weight or height limit of their particularseat. Check the seat's owner's manual and/or labels on the seat forweight and height limits.

3. Age Five (5) Up Until Seat Belts Fit Properly: Booster Seat

Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat, (by reaching the upperheight or weight limit of their seat), they should be buckled in a beltpositioning booster seat until seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fitproperly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not thestomach) and the shoulder belt lays across the chest (not the neck). Therecommended height for proper seat belt fit is 144.78 cm (57.0 inches)tall.

4. Once Seat Belts Fit Properly without a Booster Seat: Seat Belt Only

Children no longer need to use a booster seat once seat belts fit themproperly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across theupper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lays across thechest (not the neck).

A rear-facing car seat may also be referred to herein as a “Class 1Child Vehicle Seat”—in most locales this design is mandated with varioussafety features according to UN Standard ECE R44 R4 child seats as ofthe time of this application. Common safety features utilized in a Class1 Child Vehicle Seat comprise a five point harness providing protectiveside shielding elements of an infant's upper torso and head andpositioning of the infant in the reverse facing direction to reduce theeffect of rapid vehicle deceleration on the infant's neck and head (see“Rear-Facing Car Seat” reference of FIG. 1). Once the infant reaches aparticular size and weight, the individual will outgrow the sizelimitations of a typical Class 1 Vehicle Seat and is allowed to use a“Class 2 Child Vehicle Seat.” An individual using a Class 2 ChildVehicle Seat may be referred to herein as a “toddler” as the term inunderstood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, toddlersare deemed to no longer require being transported in vehicles using areverse facing seats. In most locales as of the time of thisapplication, e.g., the United States of America, a toddler may betransported using a forward facing vehicle seat equipped with a fivepoint harness and protective side shielding elements (see“Forward-Facing Car Seat” of FIG. 1). Class 2 Child Vehicle Seatssuitably correspond to UN Standard ECE R44 R4 child seats. With furthergrowth, a toddler suitably graduates from a Class 2 Child Vehicle Seatto a “Class 3 Child Vehicle Seat,” which is then considered to be asmall child once this size limit is realized. The Class 3 Child VehicleSeat suitably positions a child in a booster seat configuration (seeFIG. 1), forward facing in a vehicle's adult vehicle seat therebyraising a child's elevation and using a guide to properly position theadult vehicle seat's safety harness in a protective fashion for thechild when seated in such booster seat. As such, the three pointharness, i.e., shoulder belt, of the adult vehicle seat suitablyrestrains a child seated therein during vehicle operation. In manyjurisdictions, protective side shielding elements and five pointharnesses are no longer necessary for use of Group 3 Child VehicleSeats.

As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, at the time ofthis application the acronym “ISOFIX” refers to InternationalOrganization for Standardization standard ISO 13216, which specifies theanchoring system, attachment points, for Group 1 child safety seats. Theacronym ISOFIX is commonly used in Europe. In the United. States ofAmerica, the acronym “LATCH” is currently used to describe a similaranchoring system. As understood by the skilled artisan, LATCH refers to“Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children” and includes two lower anchorattachments and a top tether. In Canada, a similar anchoring system isreferred to as “LUAS” or “Lower Universal Anchorage System.” Forpurposes of this application and the claims, ISOFIX, LATCH, LUAS andsimilar anchoring systems may be referred to as herein as “vehicularchild anchors” or “vehicular child anchor systems.”

Accordingly, in one aspect the application provides a convenient mannerto transform an adult type vehicular passenger seat between a Class 1,Class 2 and Class 3 Vehicle seat.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular passengerseating assembly operationally configured to provide a plurality ofsitting surfaces including a plurality of seat surface members andbackrest surface members for individuals of various size and age.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular passengerseating assembly effective to transform an adult vehicle seat into arearward facing infant vehicle seat, including a Class 1 Vehicle Seat,and vice versa. In another aspect, the rearward facing infant vehicleseat of this application may be removed or detached from the remainingseat assembly and/or vehicle for independent vehicular use and/ortransport apart from the vehicle.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular passengerseating assembly including a concealable rear-facing child vehicle seat,including a Class 1 Vehicle Seat, for transporting infants that may beexposed for passenger use when the adult passenger seat is set to anopen position. In one suitable implementation, the rear-facing childvehicle seat of this application includes a five point harness forrestraining an infant held therein and side shielding elements forsafety considerations. As such, the present seating assembly may beinterchanged between an adult passenger vehicle seat and a reversefacing vehicle seat for transporting infants.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular passengerseating assembly including a concealable front facing child vehicle seatconfiguration, including a Class 2 Child Vehicle Seat, for transportingtoddlers. The concealable front facing vehicle child seat suitably foldsout from a backrest of an adult passenger vehicle seat. The front facingvehicle child seat configuration may include a five point harness forrestraining a toddler therein. The front facing vehicle child seatconfiguration may also include side shielding elements designed to foldout as the front facing vehicle child seat is directed to a passengerusable position. As such, the present seat assembly may be interchangedbetween an adult passenger vehicle seat and a seat configured fortransporting toddlers in a forward facing position.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seat assemblyoperationally configured to provide a booster child vehicle seatconfiguration, including a Class 3 Child Vehicle Seat, for transportingsmall children by adjusting the position of the seat surface of theseating assembly to an elevation substantially similar as the exemplarybooster seat shown in FIG. 1. The seat assembly suitably orients smallerchildren at a position in the adult passenger seat to be properlyharnessed in the seat using the seatbelt of the adult vehicle seat asprovided. As such, the present seating assembly may be interchangedbetween an adult passenger vehicle seat and a seat configured fortransporting small children in a forward facing position.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyoperationally configured to operate as a passenger seat for personsbeginning at infancy up through adulthood as a person progresses in sizeand/or age and/or weight and according to laws governing passenger seatrequirements according to size and/or age and/or weight and/ordisabilities.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyincluding various forms of safety features that are combined in multipleways to meet safety requirements suitable for an infant and/or toddlerand/or child passenger's protection during vehicle operation. Exemplarysafety measures include, but are not necessarily limited to harnessing,protective shielding, passenger orientation or positioning, and theability to prevent a passenger from misusing, bypassing or otherwiseneglecting one or more safety features.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyoperationally configured to provide safety features such as properharnessing, side shielding and passenger positioning of variouspositions discussed herein in a convenient form effective to assist auser of the vehicular seating assembly to avoid misuse or neglect of oneor more of the safety features.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblythat may be installed for use in a pre-existing vehicle.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyincluding a mounting chassis, a seat member assembly and a backrestmember assembly, wherein the seat member assembly includes a seat memberand an infant seat carrier concealable within the mounting chassis belowthe seat member.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblythat may be positioned as a front seat or as a back seat as the termsare understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyincluding one or more parts that may be removed from the vehicularseating assembly and replaced as desired or as otherwise required, e.g.,any regulatory expiry schedule, improvements to vehicular seatingassembly parts, vehicular collision or other impacts to the assembly viaexternal forces, equipment malfunction, liquid spills, and combinationsthereof.

In another aspect, the application provides a vehicular seating assemblyincluding a foldable infant seat carrier that may be easily removed andreplaced due to an expiry schedule or extenuating events such as avehicular collision or other impact to the infant seat carrier requiringreplacement of the infant seat carrier.

Although the present application is discussed in terms of a vehicularseating assembly, it is contemplated that the seating assembly may beemployed for non-vehicular use if desired, e.g., residential use, officeuse, amusement park ride use.

To better understand the novelty of the vehicular seating assembly,system and method of use thereof, reference is hereafter made to theaccompanying drawings. Referring to the simplified illustration of FIG.2, the invention suitably includes a vehicular seating assembly 10(“seating assembly 10”) operationally configured to interchange betweena plurality of seating arrangements and/or seating configurations foruse by persons of various size and/or age and/or weight from infancy toadulthood. Although the seating assembly 10 may be built to scale, thepresent assembly 10 will be discussed in terms of vehicular seatingassembly for automobile vehicle type use, e.g., a four door sedan, sportutility vehicle, and the like. As such, the present assembly 10 may beprovided with an OEM type three point harness or “seatbelt” andreleasable buckle as such is commonly used in vehicles such asautomobiles.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the seating assembly 10 mayinclude a mounting chassis 11 (hereafter “chassis 11”) with a seat baseor seat member 12 and a back base or backrest member 14 attached to thechassis 11. Suitably, the chassis 11 is operationally configured to fixthe seating assembly 10 to one or more vehicle surfaces 5. As such, thechassis 11 may be constructed from one or more materials durable forvehicular operation. Depending on the target vehicle of use and/or onemore applicable laws, the material(s) of construction of the chassis 11may vary accordingly. For most vehicular operations, suitable materialsinclude, but are not necessarily limited to metals, composite materials,plastics, and combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, thechassis 11 may be constructed from individual steel members or partswelded together, including one or more lateral type connectors (notshown) interconnecting the opposing side sections 11A and 11B of thechassis 11 along or near their bottom edges. In another particularembodiment, the side sections 11A and 11B may be separate or independentmembers wherein each section is individually secured to a vehiclesurface 5 and the seating assembly 10. Although the application includesa discussion herein incorporating a novel chassis 11, it is alsocontemplated that in another embodiment the remaining parts of theseating assembly 10, e.g., seat member 12 and backrest member 14, may beoperationally configured for use with a preexisting or OEM seat chassisof a vehicle.

As understood by the skilled artisan, the first seat surface 20 of theseat member 12 and the first back or backrest surface 22 of the backrestmember 14 are operationally configured to provide a sitting surface foran adult or adult sized person—typically supporting the buttocks regionand the back region respectively of a person. Similar as commerciallyavailable vehicular seats, the seat member 12 and backrest member 14 aresuitably operationally configured to support a seated person understatic and dynamic conditions in a way that the supporting force iscompatibly distributed on to the body of the person seated therein. Assuch, the seat member 12 and backrest member 14 may each be providedwith (1) an internal structural support framework and (2) an outercovering for housing the support framework therein, the outer coveringincluding, but not necessarily being limited to cushioning, padding, oneor more outer covers or outer skin members, and combinations thereof.The cushioning and/or padding may include one or more soft and/or hardand/or resilient materials enclosed within one or more outer skins usingmaterials similar as those in commercial vehicular use and appreciatedby those persons skilled in the art. Without limiting the invention,typical commercially available vehicular seats include one or more foammaterials enclosed within leather, faux leather, fabrics, polyesters,and combinations thereof. One suitable foam material includes, but isnot necessarily limited to polyurethane foam. In addition to foammaterials, other resilient materials may include, but are notnecessarily limited to springs and similar support networks used aloneor used in combination with one or more foam materials. An example of aframe, cushions or pads, and outer skins is detailed according to U.S.Pat. No. 8,162,402 titled “Vehicular Seats,” which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. As understood by the skilledartisan, the outer skins may be removable and/or replaceable and/orwashable and attached about the seat member 12 and backrest member 14via snaps, elastic bands along the perimeter of the outer skins,hook/loop fasteners, zippers, and combinations thereof.

The present seat member 12 and backrest member 14 may also include seatwarmers and/or seat coolers similar as known commercially availablevehicular passenger seats. Examples include the teachings of U.S. Pat.No. 8,944,145 titled “Vehicle Seat Air-Conditioner and VehicleTemperature Controller,” which is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety and U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,485 titled “VehicleAir-Conditioning System with Seat Heating and Cooling Device,” which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, thebackrest member 14 may also include lumbar support including lumbarsupport adjustment as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,953 titled“Lumbar Support Assembly and Corresponding Seat Structure,” which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety and U.S. Pat. No.8,162,399 titled “Lumbar Support for a Vehicle Backrest,” which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the seating assembly 10 may include aheadrest member 16 in communication with the backrest member 14providing a contact surface for the rear part of the head and/or neck ofan adult or adult sized person. As common to vehicular seating, thepresent headrest member 16 may include one or more post members 17 formating with the backrest member 14, e.g., via corresponding female typereceptacles along the backrest member 14. In one suitable embodiment,the post members 17 of the headrest member 16 may be adjustablelengthwise within female type receptacles in a manner similar as othercommercially available vehicular headrest assemblies for adjusting thelocation of the headrest member 16 in relation to the backrest member 14to a plurality of fixed positions, e.g., from (1) a lower most abutmentposition with the top of the backrest member 14 to (2) an upper mostposition fully extended apart from the top of the backrest member 14wherein the post members 17 may be substantially exposed with a minimalportion of the post members 17 in a functional mating position with thefemale type receptacles along the backrest member 14. Without limitingthe invention, the location of the headrest member 16 may be adjusted ina manner similar as known vehicular seat/headrests including, but notnecessarily limited to the configurations as discussed in U.S. Pat. No.6,035,516 titled “Securement of head rest support into automobile seatframe,” issued Mar. 14, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,499 titled “Motorvehicle seat,” issued Jun. 23, 1998 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,545 titled“Headrest apparatus,” issued Jul. 4, 1989, each of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The sitting surface defined by the seat member 12 and backrest member 14may be referred to herein as a primary sitting surface orientation ofthe seating assembly 10 that is operationally configured for adult andadult sized vehicle passengers wherein the seat member 12 provides asubstantially horizontal first seat surface 20, or seat surface at afirst elevation, and wherein the backrest member 14 provides a firstback surface 22 at a first upright orientation substantially similar tocommercially available standard vehicle passenger seats as depicted inthe simplified illustration of FIG. 1. Still referring to FIG. 2, at afirst elevation, the rear edge of the first seat surface 20 may lie inabutment with the underside of the backrest member 14 (see ContactPosition 100). In another embodiment, the rear edge of the first seatsurface 20 may lie very near to the underside of the backrest member 14.In still another embodiment, the rear edge of the first seat surface 20may be shaped in a manner effective whereby only part of the rear edgeof the first seat surface 20 lies in abutment with the underside of thebackrest member 14.

For purposes of this application, the position of the seating assembly10 in FIG. 2 may be considered as being set in a vehicular forwardposition, although the seating assembly 10 may be fixed to a vehiclesurface 5 in a vehicular rearward position or side facing position asdesired. As used herein, the terms “forward,” “forward facing,” “forwardposition” and the like suitably refer to an arrangement of the seatingassembly 10 for seating a person in a manner effective to face the frontof the vehicle provided with the seating assembly 10. Likewise, the term“rearward” suitably refers to an arrangement of the seating assembly 10for seating a person in a manner effective to face the rear of thevehicle provided with the seating assembly 10.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the seating assembly 10 may be operationallyconfigured to be oriented from the primary sitting surface orientationas shown in FIG. 2 to a collapsed or fold-down position as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4—or oriented to one or more intermediary positions therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a fully collapsed or fold-downposition may be characterized by directing the first back surface 22 ofthe backrest member 14 to a partial abutment position or full abutmentposition with the first seat surface 20 of the seat member 12 dependingon the size and/or shape of the seat member 12 and/or the backrestmember 14. In a collapsed position, one or more individuals may sit atopthe second surface 23 of the backrest member 14 in any direction 360.0degrees as desired. As such, a fully collapsed seating assembly 10 maybe considered a non-directional sitting configuration compared to theother forward facing and rearward facing configurations discussedherein. In addition, the second surface 23 of the backrest member 14 maybe used as a tabletop and/or work type surface, e.g., a surface forchanging a baby's diaper, preparing meals, working with/on objects, aswell as other purposes for which such surfaces may be used.

In one simplified implementation, the backrest member 14 may be held orfixed in one or more reclining positions and/or upright positions and/orintermediary positions and/or collapsed positions in a manner similar asbackrests of commercially known vehicular seats. As depicted in FIGS. 3and 4, the backrest member 14 may be pivotally attached to the chassis11 via one or more pivot members 18 disposed through one or moreapertures 13 (see FIG. 5) of the chassis 11 and aperture(s) oropening(s) within or through the backrest member 14 in a mannereffective for the backrest member 14 to be swiveled or pivoted about theone or more pivot members 18 and held in one of a plurality of fixedangles from a maximum reclining position (not shown) to an uprightposition as shown in FIG. 2 to a fully collapsed or folded position asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and various angles there between. In oneimplementation, the pivot member 18 may be provided in the form of anaxle disposed through and extending out the opposing sides of thebackrest member 14 where the pivot member 18 is attached to the chassis11 via opposing apertures 13 on either side of the backrest member 14.In another implementation, one or more separate shorter opposing pivotmembers 18, e.g., pivot pins, pivot rods, or the like, may be employedalong one or both the opposing sides of the backrest member 14 formating with the apertures 13 of the chassis 11 and allowing the backrestmember 14 to be directed or pivoted about the opposing pivot members 18.As understood by the skilled artisan, the backrest member 14 may includeseparate female openings for receiving opposing pivot members 18 asopposed to a single opening disposed through the backrest member 14. Asalso understood by the skilled artisan, the one or more pivot members 18may include welds, nuts or other cap type members attachable at theirouter distal ends for maintaining a mated position between the one ormore pivot members 18 and the apertures 13 of the chassis 11. In stillanother embodiment, the seating assembly 10 may include planocentricdiscs welded or otherwise secured directly to the chassis 11 andbackrest member 14 as discussed below.

The reclining angle of the backrest member 14 may be adjusted byincorporating one of several known techniques commonly found oncommercially available automobile seats and the like includingmechanical and electromechanical configurations. For example, theseating assembly 10 may include a mechanical reclining system as shownin FIG. 6, operationally configured to (1) adjust the reclining angle ofthe backrest member 14 and (2) lock the seating assembly 10 when set toa collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the simplifiedembodiment as shown, the mechanical reclining system may include astabilizer plate 19A or similar device that is operationally configuredto be attached to the chassis 11 and/or the frame member 25. Themechanical reclining system may also include a manual lever 19Bpivotally attached to the pivot member 18 and a radial spring 19Cdisposed about the pivot member 18 and connected to the backrest memberframe 14A as shown. The lever 19B is suitably held in a restinghorizontal position via a linear biasing spring 19D attached to thechassis 11 and/or frame member 25 at a first end and attached to thelever 19B at a second end as shown. As understood by the skilledartisan, the stabilizer plate 19A includes gears corresponding to gearsalong the backrest member frame 14A. As the lever 19B is directed upwardthe gears along the stabilizer plate 19A and backrest member frame 14Adisengage whereby the reclining angle of the backrest member 14 may bechanged and locked in place by lowering the lever 19B back to ahorizontal resting position. In addition, when the lever 19B is directedto a maximum upward position, the radial spring 19C may direct thebackrest member 14 to a collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Inanother embodiment, planocentric discs may be employed as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,805,650 titled “Planocentric Disc Recliner,” which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In addition to the configurations of the seating assembly 10 as shown inFIGS. 2-4, the seating assembly 10 is also suitably operationallyconfigured to provide a plurality of additional sitting configurationsfor persons ranging from infants to adults including both forward facingsitting configurations and at least a first rearward facing sittingconfiguration. As discussed below, the additional sitting configurationsof the seating assembly 10 may include, but are not necessarily limitedto (1) a second forward sitting configuration including the first seatsurface 20 at a second elevation and the first back surface 22 of thebackrest member 14 in the first upright orientation of FIG. 2, (2) athird forward sitting configuration including a second seat surface at athird elevation and a second backrest surface and (3) a first rearwardfacing sitting configuration.

Turning to FIG. 7, the seating assembly 10 may further include anundercarriage defined by a frame member 25 operationally configured toprovide structural support for the seat member 12 during use thereof andfor housing a concealable removable member such as an infant seatcarrier 75 (hereafter “carrier 75”) described more below. In addition,the frame member 25 may include one or more force dampeners 24 disposedalong the upper edge of one or both sides of the frame member 25. In oneaspect, the one or more force dampeners 24 are operationally configuredto assist with the load absorption of the seat member 12 during use,e.g., when a vehicle travels over bumps, holes, and the like, along aroad or other travel surface. Without limiting the invention, suitableforce dampeners 24 may be constructed from one or more resilientmaterials including, but not necessarily limited to plastics, rubbers,layered textiles, and combinations thereof. As shown, the one or moreforce dampeners 24 may include a plurality of holes there through toassist in force absorbing properties of the dampeners 24.

Suitably, the frame member 25 lies in mechanical communication with thechassis 11 via a lift system operationally configured to raise and lower(see Directional Arrow A) the frame member 25 and the seat member 12attached thereto between (1) the first elevation of the first seatsurface 20 as shown in FIG. 2 and (2) a second higher elevation of thefirst seat surface 20 as shown in FIG. 7—the second elevation beingsuitable for use in a manner similar as a booster seat as discussed inreference to FIG. 1 or, in the alternative, for use by shorter adultpassengers, e.g., persons wishing to sit at a higher viewing elevation.As FIG. 7 depicts, at a second higher elevation the rear edge of thefirst seat surface 20 lies in abutment with the bottom portion of thefirst back surface 22 of the backrest member 14 (see Contact Position101). As such, when the seat member 12 is directed from the firstelevation of FIG. 2 to the second elevation of FIG. 7, the seat member12 is directed both forward and upward allowing the rear edge of theseat member 12 to clear the bottommost part of the backrest member 14.Similar as discussed above, in another embodiment the rear edge of theseat member 12 may only partially contact, or not contact, the bottomportion of the first back surface 22. Although the seating assembly 10of this application may be built to scale, in one particular embodimentfor automobile use, the difference in elevation of the first seatsurface 20 of the seat member 12 from the first elevation as shown inFIG. 2 to the second elevation as shown in FIG. 7 may be up to about10.2 cm (about 4.0 inches) in relation to the vehicle surface 5.

The mechanism implemented to raise and lower the seat member 12 may bechosen amongst several modes of operation. For example, the seat member12 may be raised and lowered via electromechanical operation, e.g., alinear actuator receiving power via a power supply of the correspondingvehicle and/or a separate power supply such as a battery or batteries.As such, the seating assembly 10 may include electric wiring and thenecessary control circuitry for electromechanical operation. In anotherembodiment, the seat member 12 may be raised and lowered via a springand latch system operationally configured to bias the seat member 12 inan upward direction, the latches of the system being operationallyconfigured to hold the seat member 12 at a plurality of fixedelevations. In still another embodiment, the chassis 11 may includestepped grooves to receive tongue type appendages extending laterallyout from the frame member 25 for adjusting the position of the seatmember 12. In still another embodiment, the seat member 12 may be raisedand lowered via a worm gear assembly manually and/or byelectromechanical operation. In yet another embodiment, the seat member12 may lie in communication with a curved track for changing theelevation of the seat member 12 according to the position of the seatmember 12 along the track. In another embodiment, a rack and pinionsystem may be employed for raising and lowering the seat member 12.

The present invention may also employ a lift system as shown in FIGS. 8and 9 including a manually controllable handle 31 for manipulating thelift system to adjust the elevation of the first seat surface 20. Inthis embodiment, the lift system includes a combination of levers incommunication with both the frame member 25 and the chassis 11 forraising and lowering the seat member 12 via a locking actuator assembly(hereafter “actuator 30”) located along the outer surface of the chassis11. As shown, the lift system may include a first elongated arm member27 in pivotal communication with the chassis 11 at its first end atconnection 40 and in pivotal communication with the frame member 25 atits second end at connection 41. The lift system may further include asecond elongated arm member 28 having a first end 28A fixed to a rotorplate 44 (see FIG. 14) in rotatable communication with the actuator 30and a second end in pivotal communication with the frame member 25 atconnection 42. Suitably, the first end 28A is attached at a non-centrallocation of the rotor plate 44 producing travel distance of the firstend 28A as the rotor plate 44 is turned to assist in lifting the seatmember 12 to an elevation as shown in FIG. 6. As discussed below, ahandle 31 of the actuator 30 may be manipulated in a manner effective toturn the rotor plate 44 to act on the first and second elongated armmembers 27, 28 to raise and lower the seat member 12 as desired.

In one implementation, the actuator 30 of FIGS. 8 and 9 may be providedas a spring biased gear assembly including various working componentparts for converting rotational force into directional movement of theseat member 12. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one suitable actuator 30may include (1) a rack member 34 providing an internal gear defined by acircular opening with teeth radially disposed along the perimeter of theopening; (2) a pinion gear assembly 35A-35C providing an external gearfor working with the rack member 34; (3) a shaft assembly 37; (4) ahandle 31 for acting on the shaft assembly 37; (5) a bushing 29providing a load bearing surface and (6) plate members 43A and 43B forenclosing and holding the rack member 34 and pinion gear assembly 35A,35B, 35C there between via one or more fasteners disposed throughapertures 26A, 26B, e.g., via one or more threaded fasteners with orwithout and corresponding nuts.

Turning to FIG. 12, the pinion gear assembly 35A-35C includes (1) a mainbody 35A rotatable within the opening of the rack member 34 and (2)opposing biased booster members 35B and 35C including teeth 39Aoperationally configured to engage the teeth 39B of the rack member 34.In this embodiment, the main body 35A includes a centered aperture 36for receiving the shaft assembly 37 there through. The main body 35Aalso has opposing linear grooves or cutout portions 38A, 38Bcorresponding in size and shape to the booster members 35B, 35C wherebythe booster members 35B, 35C are radially slidable within the grooves38A, 38B. Suitably, the booster members 35B, 35C are biased radiallyoutward (see Directional Arrows AA and AB) via bias members 45A, 45B.Without limiting the invention, suitable bias members 45A, 45B mayinclude helical springs, helical spring and pin combinations, springloaded levers, and combinations thereof.

The main body 35A of this embodiment also includes an abutment member 50disposed about part of the aperture 36. As understood by the skilledartisan, the abutment member 50 may be acted on by a correspondingabutment member for rotating the main body 35A. For example, the shaftassembly 37 may include a face plate 51 with an abutment member 53disposed about a shaft 52 (see FIG. 13), the abutment member 53 beingoperationally configured to abut the abutment member 50 of the main body35A when the shaft 52 is assembled through the aperture 36 and act onthe main body 35A as the handle 31 is directed in either direction.

With particular attention to FIGS. 13-15, the distal end 33 of the shaftassembly 37 is suitably connected to an actuation connector 56 disposedbetween the side sections 11A and 11B of the chassis 11. As shown inFIG. 15, the actuation connector 56 may be provided as a rod, cylinder,tube, or the like connectable to the distal end 33 of the shaft 52 at afirst distal end and connectable to an opposing shaft 59 of an opposingsecond actuator 130 at its opposing distal end. Without limiting themode of connection, the connector 56 may be attached to the shafts ofthe actuators 30, 130 directly, e.g., female ends of the connector 56,or via adapters 57, 58 as shown.

In operation, as the shaft 52 rotates the distal end 33 of the shaft 52acts on the connector 56 thereby rotating the connector 56 in concertwith the shaft 52 whereby the connector 56 is effective to act on theopposing shaft 59 of the second actuator 130 for raising and loweringthe seat member 12. The first actuator 30 may be considered ashandle-driven or lever-driven for operating according to the movement ofthe handle 31 whereas the second actuator 130 may be considered asshaft-driven or connector-drive utilizing the torque from the shaft 52as applied to the connector 56. The incorporation of opposing liftassemblies along the side sections 11A and 11B helps to maintain theseat member 12 in a level position as the seat member 12 israised/lowered during operation. The incorporation of opposing liftassemblies along the side sections 11A and 11B also provides greaterstructural support for purposes of extending operable life of theseating assembly 10 than may otherwise be provided via a lift systemacting on only one side of the seat member 12.

Basic operation of an exemplary actuator 30 is provided with referenceto FIGS. 16-19. When the first seat surface 20 of a seat member 12 isset at a first elevation as depicted in FIG. 2, the handle 31 may be setin a substantially horizontal first position or first resting positionas depicted in FIG. 16. As shown, the first resting position of thehandle 31 may be characterized by the booster members 35B, 35C beingbiased in a manner effective for the teeth 39A of the booster members35B, 35C to engage the teeth 39B of the rack member 34 thereby lockingthe main body 35A in a fixed position, which in turn maintains the seatmember 12 in a fixed position. As further shown, the booster members35B, 35C also include nodules 46A, 46B or raised surfaces located alongthe outer surfaces of the booster members 35B, 35C, the nodules beingoperationally configured to communicate with the inner perimeter surfaceof cutouts 48A, 48B of the face plate 51. In this embodiment, thecutouts 48A, 48B have a butterfly type shape allowing the nodules 46A,46B to slide from a central position along the perimeter of the cutouts48A, 48B in both X and Y directions, i.e., toward the edge of thecutouts 48A, 48B, in a manner effective to dictate linear movement ofthe booster members 35B, 35C between (1) an engagement position with theteeth 39B as shown in FIG. 16 and (2) a non-engagement position as shownin FIG. 17 and as further discussed below. For purposes of thisapplication, the actual shape of the cutouts 48A, 48B may vary from theshape illustrated in the Figures and still provide for the desiredlinear movement of the booster members 35B, 35C within the grooves 38A,38B.

In a first resting position as shown in FIG. 16, the nodules 46A, 46Bare shown as being centrally located along the cutouts 48A, 48B in amanner effective for the teeth 39A of the booster members 35B, 35C tomate with the teeth 39B of the rack member 34 for gear type operation.From the perspective of FIG. 17, as the handle 31 is directed upward(see Directional Arrow AC) the shaft assembly 37 rotatescounterclockwise whereby the shape of the cutouts 48A, 48B force thenodules 46A, 46B radially inward toward the shaft 52 disengaging theteeth 39A, 39B. In one suitable embodiment, directional movement of thehandle 31 of only about five (5.0) degrees from the first restingposition is required to disengage the teeth 39A, 39B according to theshape of the cutouts 48A, 48B. An alternate shape of the cutouts 48A,48B may change the number of degrees for handle 31 activation of theactuator 30. Once the teeth 39A, 39B are disengaged, the main body 35Amay be freely rotated counterclockwise within the rack member 34 untilthe handle 31 reaches a second resting position for fixing the firstseat surface 20 of a seat member 12 at a second higher elevation asshown in FIG. 7. In operation, the abutment member 53 suitably appliesforce against the abutment member 50 providing rotation of the main body35A.

With reference to FIG. 18, once the handle 31 is directed to a secondresting position a user may release the handle 31 in a manner effectivefor the biased booster members 35B, 35C to be directed radially outwardvia the bias members 45A, 45B directing the teeth 39A into an engagementposition with teeth 39B as the nodules 46A, 46B are directed back to acentered position as shown in FIG. 19, thereby fixing the actuator 30and the seat member 12 in a locked position. Depending on theconfiguration of the actuator 30, the position of the handle 31 may besubstantially vertical as shown in FIG. 7 or at a position less thanvertical as shown in FIG. 19.

Herein, the handle 31 may be referred to as being double actuated,meaning that both pulling and pushing of the handle 31 (see DirectionalArrows AC and AD) may disengage the teeth 39A, 39B allowing the shaft 52and main body 35A to turn clockwise and counterclockwise as desired. Assuch, to direct the first seat surface 20 from a second resting positionback to a first resting position the handle 31 may be directed downward(see Directional Arrow AD) to disengage teeth 39A, 39B allowing the mainbody 35A to be turned clockwise back to the first resting position asshown in FIG. 16. As understood by the skilled artisan, rotation of theshaft 52 acts on the connector 56, which in turn acts on the secondactuator 130 resulting in similar cooperative action of the secondactuator 130 for supporting the opposing side of the seat member 12.

One simplified third forward sitting configuration of the seatingassembly 10, including a second seat surface at a third elevation and asecond backrest surface, is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. As shown, thebackrest member 14 may be provided as a multi-part assembly including afirst backrest member or primary backing member 60 defining the firstback surface 22, the primary backing member 60 being operationallyconfigured to be directed downward from an upright position to asubstantially horizontal position or fold down position in substantialabutment with the first seat surface 20 of the seat member 12 in amanner effective to provide a second seat surface as shown. Inparticular, when the primary backing member 60 is directed to a folddown position as shown, a rear surface of the primary backing member 60and a second back surface of an upright backing member 63 are exposed toform a second seat surface 62 and second back surface 64 of the seatingassembly 10, the sitting surface provided being different from thesitting surfaces as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 7. As shown, the second seatsurface 62 provides a third elevation of the seating assembly 10 whenthe handle 31 is at a first resting position and the exposed second backsurface 64 defines a backrest portion at a depth within the backrestmember 14 thereby providing side walls 65A and 65B. As understood by theskilled artisan, when the handle 31 is directed to a second restingposition as described above the elevation of the second seat surface 62will be different than its elevation as illustrated in FIG. 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the backrest member 14 suitablyincludes opposing side guard members 66 and 67 exposed when the primarybacking member 60 is directed to a fold down position, the side guardmembers 66 and 67 being operationally configured to protect a passengerin the seat assembly 10 against side impacts, projectiles, unwantedlateral passenger movement, and combinations thereof. As such, the sideguard members 66 and 67 are suitably constructed from one or morematerials effective to maintain their shape under load. Suitable sideguard member materials of construction may include, but are notnecessarily limited to metals, polymeric materials, and combinationsthereof. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to anodizedaluminum, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass,their respective alloys, and combinations thereof. Suitable polymericmaterials include resilient polymeric materials such as polyurethane,polystyrene, rubber, and combinations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the seating assembly 10 may comprise a harnesssystem including, but not necessarily limited to a five-point seat beltharness such as harness assembly 69A in operable communication with thesecond back surface 64 and a buckle assembly 69B attached to the rearsurface 62. As shown in FIG. 23, in one embodiment the buckle assembly69B may be operationally configured to provide both rearward and forwardadjustment of the harness assembly 69A along the rear surface 62 byadjusting the buckle assembly 69B according to the alignment of theplurality of adjustment notches 69C as shown. In another embodiment, thebuckle assembly 69B may be attached to the rear surface 62, or tointernal material(s) and/or component(s) of primary backing member 60,at a single fixed position.

In one embodiment, the upper parts of the harness assembly 69A may beset at a fixed position along the second back surface 64 suitably abovethe shoulders of intended passenger(s). In another embodiment, thelocation of the upper parts of the harness assembly 69A may beadjustable along the second back surface 64 via an assembly 69D forreceiving part of the harness assembly there through allowing foradjustment in a manner similar as the buckle assembly 69B according tothe height or location of a particular passenger's shoulders in relationto the second back surface 64.

With reference to FIG. 24, the second back surface 64 may be provided aspart of one or more interchangeable removable components or members,hereafter referred to as a “second back surface member 150,” that isreleasably attachable to the upright backing member 63. For example, thesecond back surface member 150 may include one or more apertures 108there through for releasably attaching the second back surface member150 to the upright backing member 63 or frame within the upright backingmember 63 via one or more fasteners. In one suitable embodiment, theupright backing member 63 and/or frame located therein may includethreaded female apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners such asthreaded bolts, screws, and the like in a mated position therein. Asunderstood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the one or moreapertures 108 are located along the second back surface member 150 in amanner to align with corresponding aperture(s) of the upright backingmember 63 and/or frame located therein for ease of fastener use therethrough.

In one embodiment, the second back surface 64 may include a plurality ofelongated apertures or openings (hereafter referred to as “fixed slots54A”) disposed along the second back surface 64 in a manner effective toreceive the upper parts of the harness assembly 69A there through at oneor more locations according to the shoulder location of the passengerusing the seating assembly 10 or as may otherwise be required by law.For example, a user may remove the second back surface member 150 andrun the upper parts of the harness assembly 69A through the desiredslots 54A for attachment to a harness buckle 69G (see FIG. 22).

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, the second back surfacemember 150 may include apertures or openings in the form of a pluralityof substantially horizontally aligned fixed slots 54A interconnectedwith open substantially vertically aligned paths, cutouts or grooves 54Bthrough the second back surface 64 that are operationally configured tocommunicate the various fixed slots 54A allowing the upper parts of theharness portion 69A to slide between fixed slots 54A without having toremove the second back surface member 150. In still another embodimentas shown in FIGS. 26-28, the second back surface member 150 may includea slidable assembly for directing and holding the upper parts of theharness assembly 69A at one or more fixed locations along the secondback surface 64. As shown, the second back surface 64 may includeparallel type openings 47A, 47B there through, the solid section of thesecond back surface 64 between the openings 47A, 47B serving as asupport surface for a passenger. In this embodiment, the slidableassembly includes a slide plate 49 along the inner surface of the secondback surface member 150 that is moveable linearly along the length ofthe openings 47A, 47B. In this embodiment, slots 55 are located throughthe slide plate 49 as opposed to the second back surface 64 as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the slots 55 andthe slide plate 49 are effective to align the slots 55 with the openings47A, 47B allowing the upper parts of the harness assembly 69A to matewith the slots 55 at a position according to the location of the slideplate 49. The slidable assembly of this embodiment may also include anactuation member in the form of a worm screw assembly operationallyconfigured to direct the slide plate 49 linearly along the length of theopenings 47A, 47B. As shown, the worm screw assembly includes a worm 97Aor like object operationally configured to dictate linear movement ofthe slide plate 49—which may be provided as a worm plate as shown inFIGS. 27 and 28. As understood by the skilled artisan, the slide plate49 includes grooves 131 along its proximal edge operationally configuredto engage the threads of the worm 97A in a manner effective for theslide plate 49 to be directed linearly similar in action as a gear rackor the like along the length of the openings 47A, 47B as the worm 97A isturned in either direction. With reference to FIG. 27, the inner surfaceof the second back surface member 150 suitably includes a support member132 slotted in a manner effective for holding the shaft of the worm 97A(hereafter “worm shaft 97B”) near its distal end and near its proximalend as shown. Other shaft type supports, catches or seats known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art may be employed for purposes of holding theworm 97A during operation. For example, separate individual supportmembers may be employed for holding the shaft 97B at or near each of itsdistal and proximal ends.

Suitably, the proximal end of the worm shaft 97B includes a pinion gear97C operationally configured to be turned by the action of one or morecorresponding gears. For example, a geared turn dial 85 or otherturnable knob member may be inset along the second back surface 64, thegears of the turn dial 85 being in communication with the pinion gear97C as shown. In operation, the turn dial 85 may be manually rotatedclockwise or counter-clockwise to act on the worm 97A for moving theslide plate 49. In another embodiment, the slide plate 49 may include anappendage type ring member or other threaded aperture for mating withthe worm 97A.

In one suitable embodiment the harness assembly 69A may be attached tothe second back surface 64 at a fixed length. As shown in FIG. 29, theharness assembly 69A may include a retractable assembly 69E housedwithin the second back surface member 150, which is operationallyconfigured to store loose strapping or webbing 69D of the harnessassembly 69A when the seating assembly 10 is in use thereby providing asnug or operable fit for a passenger without being restrictive. In stillanother embodiment, one or more of the strapping or webbing 69D of theharness assembly 69A may be operationally configured to run down throughthe second back surface member 150 into the primary backing member 60and out through the front side of the primary backing member 60 via amouth 69F as shown in FIG. 30, whereby a distal end 6911 of the harnessassembly 69 strapping may be directed outward (see Directional Arrow B)to provide a more snug fit of the harness assembly 69A for a passenger.In one embodiment, to assist in holding the strap in a fixed position,the mouth 69F may include a releasable locking mechanism operationallyconfigured to sandwich the strap in a fixed position. In still anotherembodiment, the harness assembly 69A may be adjusted via a mechanicalratchet system housed in the backrest member 14. In another embodiment,the harness assembly 69A may be adjusted via a mechanical orelectromechanical adjustment interface set atop or near the upper edgeof the backrest member 14.

Turning to the simplified illustrations of FIGS. 31-33, in oneparticular embodiment the second back surface member 150 may include atensioner system operationally configured to increase and decrease thelength of the harness strapping 69D extending out through the aperturesof the second back surface 64. In other words, the tensioner system isoperationally configured to dictate the slack or lack thereof in thestrapping 69D as related to the securement of a passenger to the seatingassembly 10. Suitably, the tensioner system is attached to the innersurface of the second back surface member 150 and is controlled manuallyvia a handle 152 and a release member 154 located along the second backsurface 64. In this embodiment, the tensioner assembly includes (1) alongitudinal tension rod 156, (2) tension drums 157A, 157B disposedalong the tension rod 156 that corresponds to separate parts of thestrapping 69D intended for use over each of a passenger's shoulders, (3)a first bias member 158 disposed about the tension rod 156 between thetension drums 157A, 157B, (4) a pulley 160 in communication with thetension rod 156, (5) a latch rod 162, (6) a plurality of latch rod pins164 attached to the rod 162, (7) a biased lever 166 in communicationwith the latch rod 162 and release member 154, (8) a second bias member168 for biasing the lever 166, (9) a plurality of ratchet plates 169 incommunication with the tension rod 156, the ratchet plates 169 havingangled teeth disposed along their perimeter effective to act on each ofthe tension drums 157A, 157B and (10) a cable member 170 incommunication with the handle 152 at a proximal end and the pulley 160at a distal end. In basic operation, the handle 152 and release member154 act on the tensioner system to help dictate the length of thestrapping 69D extending out from the second back surface 64 for securinga passenger to the seating assembly 10.

In one aspect, the tensioner system may include a retractable seat beltreel type of assembly similar as used in known commercial vehicles. Forexample, the tension drums 157A, 157B are suitably rotatable about acentral axis of the tension rod 156 in a manner whereby the separateparts of the strapping 69D may wind and unwind upon the outer surface ofthe tension drums 157A, 157B. With particular attention to FIG. 33, thetension drums 157A, 157B are hollow or partially hollow membersincluding inlets 170A and 170B for receiving the distal ends of theseparate parts of the strapping 69D therein. As understood by theskilled artisan, the distal ends of the strapping 69D may be held inplace within the tension drums 157A, 157B via holding pins, latches,clamps, and the like allowing for releasable attachment of the strapping69D. In another embodiment, the distal ends of the strapping 69D may beadhered to the inner surface of the tension drums 157A, 157B via one ormore adhesives. In still another embodiment, the distal ends of thestrapping 69D may include metal covers or edges attached thereto thatmay be adhered to the tension drums 157A, 157B via welds and/oradhesives. As depicted, the tension drums 157A, 157B may be provided ascylindrical members. It is also contemplated that the tension drums157A, 157B may include a non-cylindrical outer surface or shape, e.g., amulti-sided shape, an oval shape, to accentuate winding and unwinding ofthe strapping 69D as the tension drums 157A, 157B are rotated.

With further reference to FIG. 33, the opposing ends of the tensiondrums 157A, 157B include angled toothed ring type configurations orgears 172 operationally configured to engage the plurality of latch rodpins 164 with its outer teeth and the ratchet plates 169 with its innerteeth. As shown, the ratchet plates 169 and tension drums 157A, 157B areconcentrically aligned with the elongated tension rod 156, which in thisembodiment is shown as an elongated four sided member, the ratchetplates 169 having apertures there through corresponding in size andshape to the size and shape of the tension rod 156 effective forcorresponding rotation of the tension rod 156 and ratchet plates 169. Asillustrated, the ratchet plates 169 may include four sided apertureswith reinforced side walls 174 providing structural support according tothe anticipated torqueing forces applied to the ratchet plates 169 asthe tension rod 156 is rotated. As shown, the ratchet plates 169 includeangled teeth effective to engage the angled teeth disposed along theinner surface of the gears 172 when the pulley 160 is rotated as thehandle 152 is drawn out from the second back surface 64.

In exemplary operation, the tensioner system is suitably set at a firstfully retracted position wherein the strapping 69D is in a fully woundposition about the tension drums 157A, 157B thereby minimizing thelength of strapping 69D extending out from the second back surface 64 asthe outer teeth of the gears 172 engage the latch rod pins 164 holdingthe tension drums 157A, 157B in a fixed position. As explained below, adesired length of the strapping 69D may be provided for passenger use byactivating the release member 154 (see FIG. 31) and pulling thestrapping 69D out from the second back surface 64 to a desired length.For directing the strapping 69D back to a wound position, a user maypull the handle 152 out from the second back surface 64 wherein thehandle 152 acts on the cable member 170 attached thereto to rotate thepulley 160, which in turn rotates the tension rod 156 communicated withthe pulley 160. Rotation of the tension rod 156 directs the teeth of theratchet plates 169 to an engagement position with the inner teeth of thegears 172. Once engaged, the tension drums 157A, 157B may rotateaccording to rotation of the pulley 160 allowing a desired length ofstrapping 69D to be drawn in from the second back surface 64. Insuitable operation for infants and children passengers, the handle 152and strapping 69D need only be drawn out from the second back surface 64up to about 7.62 cm (3.0 inches).

During use, a user may activate or press the release member 154, shownin FIG. 31 as a push button, to disengage the latch rod pins 164 fromthe outer teeth of the gears 172 in order to unwind the strapping 69D asdesired. As the release member 154 is directed inward the release member154 contacts and directs the lever 166 directionally apart from theinner surface of the second back surface member 150. As shown in FIG.33, the lever 166 may include apertures 173 for receiving the latch rod162 there through. In this embodiment, the apertures 173 are rectangularand sized to correspond with a four sided latch rod 162 in asubstantially flush orientation minimizing any undesired movement orrotation of the latch rod 162 within the aperture 173. In anotherembodiment, the latch rod 162 may be adhered to the surface of the lever166. In another embodiment the latch rod 162 and lever 166 may beprovided as a one piece construction—including the opportunity to locatethe second bias member 168 along the latch rod 162 apart from the lever166 if desired.

With further reference to FIG. 33, the latch rod pins 164 are disposedalong the latch rod 162 in substantial alignment with the gears 172 onopposing ends of the tension drums 157A, 157B. As such, as the lever 166moves the latch rod 162 too moves in like direction. Therefore, as therelease member 154 is directed inward each of the latch rod pins 164disengage the outer teeth of the gears 172. As understood by the skilledartisan, the latch rod pins 164 and ratchet plates 169 operate in amanner similar as a tooth engaging portion of a release pawl. Once thelatch rod pins 164 disengage the outer teeth of the gears 172, thetension rod 156 may be rotated according to pulling of the handle 152and/or according to the first bias member 158 for purposes of windingthe strapping or for purposes of adjusting the amount of slack of thestrapping 69D. For example, the handle 152 may be manipulated back andforth to adjust the slack in the strapping 69D as a user pulls thestrapping 69D out from the second back surface thereby unwinding thestrapping from the tension drums 157A, 157B.

For rotational operation, the ends of the tension rod 156 and latch rod162 are suitably rotatably communicated with the inner surface 151 ofthe second back surface member 150 whereby the longitudinal axes of thetension rod 156 and latch rod 162 are suitably aligned in asubstantially horizontal parallel orientation. Suitably, the first biasmember 158, shown in this embodiment as a radial spring, may be locatedabout the tension rod 156 at a point between the tension drums 157A,157B. As stated, the radial spring 158 is effective to bias the tensionrod 156 and tension drums 157A, 157B to an engagement position with thelatch rod pins 164.

Without limiting the configuration of the latch rod pins 164 to any oneparticular embodiment, in this embodiment the latch rod pins 164 includelips 176 or other raised surfaces extending out from the remaining latchrod pins 164 in a manner effective to catch and hold the outer teeth ofthe gears 172 to prohibit the biased tension rod 156 from undesiredrotation when the release member 154 is not activated.

Turning to FIGS. 34-36, in another embodiment a release member 154 andstrapping 69D alone may be provided for adjusting the length of theusable strapping 69D by activating the release member 154 and pullingthe strapping 69D out from the second back surface 64 by unwinding thestrapping 69D from the tension drums 157A, 157B. With particularattention to FIG. 36, the tension drums 157A, 157B in this embodimentinclude cylindrical members with a plurality of uniform grooves 178 orteeth disposed along the perimeters of the opposing ends of the tensiondrums 157A, 157B. Similar as described above, until the release member154 is activated, i.e., directed or pushed inward, the latch rod pins164 are operationally configured to engage the grooves 178 via the forceapplied to the tension rod 156 by the first bias member 158 and via theforce applied to the lever 166 via the second bias member 168. As statedabove, the tension rod 156 and latch rod 162 are rotatably communicatedwith the inner surface 151 of the second back surface member 150 wherebythe longitudinal axes of the tension rod 156 and latch rod 162 aresuitably aligned in a substantially horizontal parallel orientation. Inboth examples of the tensioner assembly, the tension rod 156 and latchrod 162 are provided as four sided members. As such, the inner surface151 is suitably operationally configured to receive the opposing ends ofthe tension rod 156 and the latch rod 162 in rotatable attachmentthereto. As shown in FIG. 36, the inner surface 151 may include rotatinghubs 180 rotatably attached thereto for mating with the ends of thetension rod 156 and latch rod 162. In one embodiment, the rotating hubs180 may include raised nipples for receiving female type ends of thetension rod 156 and latch rod 162. In another embodiment, the rotatinghubs 180 may include apertures for receiving male ends of the tensionrod 156 and latch rod 162 therein.

In operation, an adult or other operator may activate the release member154 thereby rotating the lever 166 and latch rod 162 attached theretothereby disengaging the latch rod pins 164 apart from the grooves 178 ofthe tension drums 157A, 157B. As the release member 154 is activated, anoperator may grab the strapping 69D and pull the strapping 69D out fromthe second back surface 64 to a desired length. Thereafter, an operatormay release the release member 154 directing the lever 166 back to aresting state as shown in FIG. 36 via the bias force of the second biasmember 168 allowing the grooves 178 to engage the latch rod pins 164 viathe first bias member 158 acting on the tension rod 156. Once apassenger is secured in the seating assembly 10, an operator may againpress the release member 154 allowing the tension drums 157A, 157B tofurther wind directionally according to the bias force of the first biasmember 158 in a manner effective to remove any slack in the strapping69D that may be present. Once the strapping 69D is set to a desiredlength out from the second back surface 64 for passenger use, anoperator may release the release member 154 reengaging the grooves 178with the latch rod pins 164.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the backing member 60 suitably includescutout portions 68, depressions, or the like, along the length of itsopposing sides providing a mating surface for the corresponding sidewalls 65A and 65B when the backing member 60 is set to an uprightposition as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the cutout portions 68may be defined by right angle forming surfaces disposed along opposingsides of the backing member 60 corresponding to the rectangular shape ofthe side walls 65A and 65B. The shape of the cutout portions 68 may varyas desired, for example, the cutout portions 68 may correspond in sizeand shape to side walls 65A and 65B of a particular size and shape,e.g., (1) cutout portions 68 having curved surfaces for abutment withcurved side walls 65A and 65B, (2) cutout portions 68 having angledsurfaces greater or less than about 90.0 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 21, each side guard member 66 and 67 suitablyincludes two elongated members 70, 71 interconnected via a pivot joint72 forming an angle there between. As understood by persons of ordinaryskill in the art, the angle formed between the elongated members 70, 71may decrease when the backrest member 14 of the seating assembly 10 isset to a collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. With particularattention to FIGS. 37-39, a first end of the elongated members 70 may bepivotally attached to a framework of the primary backing member 60 ordirectly attached to the primary backing member 60. Likewise, the firstend of the elongated members 71 may be pivotally attached to a frameworkof the upright backing member 63 or directly attached to the uprightbacking member 63. In another embodiment, the first end of the elongatedmembers 71 may be pivotally attached directly to the second back surfacemember 150 (see FIG. 66), depending on the shape of the upright backingmember 63 and second back surface member 150 employed. The first ends ofthe elongated members 70, 71 may vary in shape as desired. For example,the first ends may include a linear curved end (see elongated member 71)or the first ends may include an L-shape curved end as depicted by theelongated members 70 in FIG. 66. As understood by persons of ordinaryskill, the first ends suitably include apertures for receiving pivotpins, rods, or the like there through for maintaining the location ofthe first ends of the elongated members 70, 71 in relation to theprimary backing member 60, upright backing member 63 and second backsurface member 150 during operation.

Referring now to FIG. 40, each of the side guard members 66 and 67 mayalso include extensible side shielding members 73A and 73B effective toprotect a passenger's upper torso and head against impact related sideto side jarring movements, side impacts to the seating assembly 10 aswell as providing protection from projectiles. As shown, the sideshielding members 73A and 73B suitably extend forward along the insideof the side guard members 66 and 67 to a fixed position when the primarybacking member 60 is directed to a horizontal position as shown in FIG.40. The construction of the side shielding members 73A and 73B is notlimited to any one particular design or mode of fabrication. In onesuitable embodiment, the side shielding members 73A and 73B may eachinclude a perimeter forming frame member 74A disposed along the edge ofan interior substantially planar panel member 74B. The frame member 74Amay be constructed from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials asdesired. In addition, the frame member 74A may include impact absorbingmaterial 74C disposed along the front parts of the frame member 74Aeffective to protect a passenger's head and body from impacts againstthe frame member 74A. One suitable impact absorbing material may includeone or more resilient foam materials, for example, open cell foam and/orclosed cell foam. In another embodiment, the impact absorbing material74C may include an elongated flexible tension member operationallyconfigured to flex or bend when the side shielding members 73A, 73B areset at a collapsed or retracted position and reconfigure to a naturalresting position when the side shielding members 73A, 73B are set to anextended position as shown in FIG. 40.

The panel members 74B may also be constructed from one or more materialseffective to absorb external impacts and passenger related impacts. Asshown, the side shielding members 73A and 73B may extend forward adistance suitable to protect a passenger's head and/or torso from sideimpacts and/or projectiles in the event of a vehicular accident, suddenstop or sudden jerking motion of the vehicle. As such, the panel members74B are suitably constructed from one or more materials effective toabsorb direct external forces and impacts to the panel members 74B.Without limiting the invention to any particular materials ofconstruction, apposite materials may include, but are not necessarilylimited to metals, nylons, polymeric materials, textiles, andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, the panel members 74B may befabricated using a class of nylon called aramids. One suitable aramidmay include para-aramid synthetic fibers. As of the time of thisapplication, a suitable source of para-aramid synthetic fibers is E. I.du Pont de Nemours and Company, Delaware, U.S.A, which manufacturers asuitable product under the brand KEVLAR®. One particular fiber materialincludes KEVLAR® Plain Weave Fabric commercially available from FibreGlast Developments Corporation, Brookville, Ohio. In another suitableembodiment, the panel members 74B may be fabricated using a combinationof para-aramid synthetic fibers and carbon fiber. In another embodiment,the panel members 74B may be fabricated using carbon fiber reinforcedpolymer. In still another embodiment, the panel members 74B may beconstructed from one or more metals including, but are not necessarilylimited to steel, titanium, aluminum, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the side shielding members 73A and 73B may be snapfit to the backrest member 14 and/or the primary backing member 60and/or the side guard members 66 and 67. In another embodiment, theprimary backing member 60 and second back surface 64 may include groovesor spacing along the sides of the primary backing member 60 and secondback surface 64 effective for receiving the side shielding members 73Aand 73B in a slidable manner. In another embodiment, the side shieldingmembers 73A and 73B may be pivotally attached to the backrest member 14via hinges 79 in a manner to fold against the second back surface 64 ina wing-like manner and opened as shown in FIG. 40. In one embodiment,the side shielding members 73A and 73B may be manually opened. Inanother embodiment, the hinges 79 may include biased hinges, includingbut not necessarily limited to spring hinges effective to bias the sideshielding members 73A and 73B to an open position as the primary backingmember 60 is directed to a horizontal position.

In another embodiment, the panel members 74B may be fabricated from oneor more textiles including, but not necessarily limited to one or morepara-aramid synthetic fabrics. Without limiting the invention, textilematerials described herein may be attached to the elongated members 70,71 via screws, rivets, adhesives, or combination thereof. In oneparticular embodiment, the edge or outer periphery of the panel members74B may be doubled or folded over to form pocket type formationsoperationally configured to house elongated flexible tension member 74Ctherein as shown in FIG. 40. In this embodiment, when the side shieldingmembers 73A, 73B are set to a collapsed position, the panel members 74Bsuitably bend or fold, possibly in a preformed way via pleats and/orbellows, thereby shaping to fit compressed like within spaces providedas part of the seating assembly 10. When the side shielding members 73A,73B are deployed to an extended position as shown in FIG. 40, theflexible tension members 74C of the elongated members 70, 71 areoperationally configured to help stretch or extend and hold the panelmembers 74B in a substantially planar orientation as shown in FIG. 40.

Turning to the simplified illustrations of FIGS. 41-49, the seatingassembly 10 may also include a rearward facing carrier 75 that may bedirected (1) to a first closed position where it is concealed under theseat member 12 between the side sections 11A and 11B of the chassis 11as shown in FIG. 2 and (2) to a second open position when the seatmember 12 is pivoted open back to front as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.When the carrier 75 is set to an open position, the carrier 75 suitablydefines a third seat surface at a fourth elevation and a third backrestsurface of the seating assembly 10. In one embodiment, the carrier 75may be provided as a Class 1 Child Vehicle Seat, or equivalent,providing a first reverse or first rearward facing sitting configurationof the seating assembly 10. As a skilled artisan can appreciate, it isherein contemplated that the carrier 75 configuration may be alteredaccording to one or more changes or differences in the laws of one ormore jurisdictions where use of the seating assembly 10 is foreseen. Inaddition, the carrier 75 may be provided for standalone use apart fromthe remaining seating assembly 10 as desired.

Similar as commercially available infant vehicle seats, the presentconcealable carrier 75 may include an interior sitting surface defininga seat surface member and a backrest surface member for supporting apassenger therein—the sitting surface of the seat surface member andbackrest surface member forming one or more obtuse angles for receivingan infant therein. In addition, the carrier 75 is operationallyconfigured to fold for concealment purposes in a first closed position,for example, wherein the backrest surface member 77 is collapsed to anabutment or partial contact position with the seat surface member 76.For example, the backrest surface member 77 may be pivotally attached tothe seat surface member 76 so that the backrest surface member 77 may bedirected down toward the seat surface member 76 (see Directional ArrowAE in FIG. 42) with the center longitudinal plane P-1 (see FIG. 58) ofthe backrest surface member 77 lying in substantially parallel alignmentwith the center longitudinal plane P-2 (see FIG. 58) of the seat surfacemember 76 whereby the carrier 75 may be concealed under the seat member12.

In one embodiment, the seat surface member 76 and a backrest surfacemember 77 may open to a single second position of a desired recliningangle. In another embodiment, the backrest surface member 77 may be setto one or more desired fixed reclining angles via one or more lockingmechanisms operationally configured to permit directional movement andlocking of the seat surface member 76 and backrest surface member 77 atone or more fixed reclining angles. As an example, a carrier 75 mayinclude a first open position with a reclining angle operationallyconfigured to hold an infant and a second open position with a recliningangle operationally configured to hold a toddler.

With particular reference to FIGS. 43-52, in one embodiment the seatsurface member 76 and the backrest surface member 77 may be pivotallycommunicated at opposing pivot axis junctions 96A and 96B with at leastone of the junctions including a locking mechanism in the form of alocking gear assembly comprised of outer gears and an adjustable gearstop member operationally configured to communicate with the gears andhandle 80 for regulating the reclining angle of the carrier 75. Thelocking gear assembly may also be operationally configured to regulatethe position of the handle 80 in relation to the seat surface member 76and the backrest surface member 77 by locking the handle 80 in a fixedposition as desired. In another embodiment, the handle 80 may pivotfreely independent of the locking gear assembly, i.e., independent ofthe position of the seat surface member and backrest surface member.

As shown in FIGS. 45-47, an outer gear 102A is part of the seat surfacemember 76 and outer gear 102B is part of the backrest surface member 77.The outer gears 102A, 102B may include a general layout defined by amatrix of radial rib structures, a honeycomb configuration, or otherstructurally supportive pattern (see for example FIG. 44). The gear stop104 as shown suitably includes (1) a first part 104A of a size effectiveto be adjusted, i.e., directed back and forth, within an aperture 109 ofthe handle 80 that accessible manually at an external location (see FIG.43) and (2) a second part defined by one or more elongated members 107operationally configured to slidably mate with openings in the matrixesof one or both of the outer gears 102A, 102B in a manner effective toengage and hold one or both of the outer gears 102A, 102B in a staticposition as desired.

As shown in FIG. 45, the inner surface of the handle 80 suitablyprohibits the elongated members 107 from sliding out of the apertureapart from the carrier 75. This position of the gear stop 104 may bereferred to as a first position—also shown in the simplified embodimentof FIG. 43—whereby the position of the one or more elongated members 107is effective to prohibit rotation of the handle 80 and the seat surfacemember 76. At a second position as shown in FIG. 46, the gear stop 104is directed inward whereby the one or more elongated members 107 areclear of the handle 80 allowing free rotation of the handle 80 asdesired until the gear stop 104 is directed back to the first position.At a third position as shown in FIG. 47, the gear stop 104 is directedfurther inward whereby the one or more elongated members 107 are locatedwithin the outer gear 102B clear of the handle 80 and the outer gear102A allowing free rotation of the handle 80 and the seat surface member76. For example, if a user wishes to adjust the reclining angle of thecarrier 75, he/she may direct the gear stop 104 to the third positionuntil a desired reclining angle is created and there after direct thegear stop 104 back to the second position or the first position. It isalso contemplated that a bias member such as a helical spring orresilient polymer material may be located at the distal ends of theelongated members 107 within the gear matrix spacing 110 in a mannereffective to bias the gear stop 104 directionally toward the firstposition. For purposes of this application, a suitable handle 80 may beattached to both of the opposing pivot axis junctions or attached at asingle pivot axis junction as desired.

The carrier 75 of this application may be defined by a rigid and/orsemi-rigid body. In one particular embodiment, the carrier 75 mayinclude a cushioned cover disposed along the seat surface member 76and/or the backrest surface member 77 similar as commercially availableinfant vehicular seats providing added comfort and support for apassenger. Without limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, asuitable carrier 75 may be constructed from one or more materialsfunctionally effective for the carrier 75 to perform according to one ormore laws of one or more jurisdictions. For example, a suitable carrier75 may be constructed from metals, polymeric materials, fiber-reinforcedplastic, composite materials, wood, and combinations thereof. Suitablepolymeric materials include, but are not necessarily limited to rubbers,plastics, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics include, but arenot necessarily limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”),polypropylene, and combinations thereof. Suitable wood species include,but are not necessarily limited to maple, oak, ash, birch, cedar,chestnut, hickory, mahogany, walnut, and combinations thereof.

In one particular embodiment, the carrier 75 may be fabricated fromhigh-density polypropylene effective to flex under pressure but alsoresilient to cracking or breaking due to loads or other external forces.In addition, the carrier 75 may include one or more cushioned coverassemblies 83 attachable to the surface of the carrier 75 (see FIG. 61).As understood by the skilled artisan, a cushioned cover assembly 83 mayinclude a cushion member covered by an outer surface member. The outersurface member may be fabricated from one or more textiles, vinyls,leather, and combinations thereof as desired. In addition, the outersurface may be fabricated from one or more particular materials such aswater proof materials and/or color schemes and/or designs for aestheticpurposes and/or for guarding against liquid spills and passengerurination. Although practically any soft material may be used, suitablecushion member materials may include, but are not necessarily limited tobird feathers, cotton, open cell foam, closed foam, wool, siliconerubber, animal hair, and combinations thereof. One or more cushionmember materials may be provided according to manufacturer choice and/orconsumer demand and/or according to one or more laws of one or morejurisdictions. In addition, the outer surface member may be attached tothe carrier 75 as desired or as otherwise required, suitably in anon-intrusive manner or non-abrasive for a passenger using the carrier75. For example, outer surface members may be sewn into the surface ofthe carrier 75, adhered to the surface of the carrier 75, pinned viasnaps, pinned via hook and loop fasteners, and combinations thereof. Inanother embodiment, the carrier 75 may be molded in a manner effectiveto receive and hold elongated loops, e.g., elastic pieces, which aresewn into a removable cover assembly 83. The carrier 75 may also beprovide with snap posts operationally configured to receivecorresponding snap caps fixed to the cover assembly 83. Furthermore, acushioned cover assembly 83 of this application may meet toxicity,flammability and energy absorption requirements according to one or morelaws of one or more jurisdictions.

As shown in FIG. 49, the seat surface member 76 and the backrest surfacemember 77 may be ergonomically shaped or contoured for passengercomfort. For example, the concealable infant carrier 75 may include astructural support member 78 shaped in a manner effective to form andmaintain a raised surface contouring the seat surface member 76 to beoccupied by a passenger's right and left legs on either side. Likewise,the backrest surface member 77 may lie deeper near its centerlineforming raised side walls 81A and 81B.

As discussed above, the carrier 75 may include a handle 80 pivotallyattached to one side or to the opposing sides of the carrier 75 in amanner effective for a person to manually grab or grasp the handle 80and remove the carrier 75 out from its attachment position with theseating assembly 10 (see Directional Arrow AF in FIG. 48). As a result,the carrier 75 may be utilized as a hand held carrier item separate andapart from the seating assembly 10 and the corresponding vehicle. Forexample, when an infant is secured within the carrier 75, a parent orother capable person or persons may grab the handle 80 and remove thecarrier 75 out from the seat assembly 10 for purposes of carrying theinfant passenger out apart from the vehicle, i.e., for purposes ofextravehicular infant transport when transporting an infant between ahome and a vehicle, when out shopping, and the like. When returning thecarrier 75 to a target vehicle, the carrier 75 may be redirected back toan attachment position with the remaining seating assembly 10. In oneembodiment, the handle 80 may include a static member as shown. Inanother embodiment, the handle 80 may be constructed from one or moreflexible or bendable materials. In still another embodiment, the handle80 may include a strap, chain, belt or cable type member operationallyconfigured to be manually grabbed for removing the carrier 75 out fromits attachment position with the seating assembly 10 and for carryingthe carrier 75.

With particular attention to FIG. 49, one suitable handle 80 may includeopposing side members 80A, 80B and a crossbar member 80C providingadditional impact protection for a passenger along his/her sides andfrontal regions when the handle 80 is directed to a first position asshown. As illustrated, the crossbar member 80C may (1) serve as a lapbar for a passenger and also (2) provide a convenient section of thehandle 80 for an adult or other person to manually grab, grasp and holdwhen transporting the carrier 75 out apart from the seating assembly 10.As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, when placing a passenger into the carrier75 and/or when removing a passenger out from the carrier 75 the handle80 may be directed to a second position allowing direct unencumberedaccess to the seat surface member 76 and the backrest surface member 77.As shown in the embodiment of the carrier 75 in FIG. 50, the handle 80may also be directed to a third position behind the backrest surfacemember 77 in a manner effective to assist in maintaining the carrier 75in an upright position when the carrier 75 is set on a support surfacesuch as a floor, table, ground.

As shown in FIG. 48, the undercarriage of the seating assembly 10 issuitably exposed when the carrier 75 is removed apart from the seatingassembly 10. Without limiting the invention to a particular mode ofoperation, in one embodiment the underside surface 82 of the seat member12 may include a surface configuration effective to releasably attachand hold a corresponding backside of the carrier 75 in a fixed positionduring operation of the seating assembly 10. For example, the seatmember 12 may include a mounting assembly disposed along the undersidesurface 82 that is operationally configured to receive and hold acarrier 75 in a fixed position for passenger use. In one particularembodiment, a mounting assembly, a.k.a., an intermediate member, may bereleasably attached to the underside surface 82 of the seat member 12 ina manner effective to releasably attach and hold the backside of acarrier 75 in a fixed position during operation of the seating assembly10. One exemplary intermediate member may include a plate type member orother expanse type member having a surface substantially similar inshape as the shape of the backside of the carrier 75, which may assistin holding the carrier 75 in a fixed position during vehicular use.

Turning to FIGS. 51 and 52, one suitable intermediate member, hereafterreferred to as an adapter assembly 88, may be disposed along theunderside surface 82 of the seat member 12 wherein the adapter assembly88 is operationally configured to engage one or more connectors disposedalong the backside of the carrier 75, e.g., one or more latch sockets 84(see also FIG. 48), a pivot crossbar 86 (see FIG. 55), for holding thecarrier 75 in a fixed position during operation. Similarly, the backsideof the carrier 75 may include one or more connectors operationallyconfigured to directly engage the underside surface 82 for holding thecarrier 75 in a fixed position.

One suitable adapter assembly 88 may include one or more anchor members,e.g., an anchor assembly 89 or other member, including one or more upperlatches or hook members 90 operationally configured to engage the one ormore latch sockets 84 disposed on one or both sides of the carrier 75.As shown, the anchor assembly 89 may also include a latch or catchmember 91 operationally configured to extend over the upper edge of thebackrest surface member 77 of the carrier 75 to prevent or otherwiseminimize vertical travel of the carrier 75 during operation.

The adapter assembly 88 of this application is not limited to anyparticular configuration. With attention to the non-limiting examples ofFIGS. 53 and 54, one suitable adapter assembly 88 may include at least(1) a first body member 93 and (2) a second anchor assembly 89 similaras described above (see FIG. 51) attached to the body member 93. Thebody member 93 suitably includes an engagement surface 95 for receivingthe carrier 75 in abutment thereto, the opposing side of the body member93 being operationally configured to receive the anchor assembly 89 inattachment thereto. In addition, the body member 93 suitably includesone or more apertures or openings 99 for receiving the one or more hookmembers 90 of the anchor assembly 89 there through. As shown in FIG. 52,the catch member 91 may extend out in front of the engagement surface 95a distance effective for (1) blocking the carrier 75 from verticalrelease from the seating assembly 10 and (2) providing ease of accessfor a user to depress the catch member 91 (see Directional Arrow AG inFIG. 52) for unlatching the carrier 75 in order to remove the carrier 75out from the remaining seating assembly 10. In the embodiment of FIG.53, the adapter assembly 88 may also include one or more lower latch orhook members 94 attached to the body member 93 in a fixed manner forengaging the pivot crossbar 86. As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 54, a single lower latch or hook member 94 may be employed having awidth up to about the length of the pivot crossbar 86. As each of FIGS.53 and 54 illustrate, the shape of the body member 93 is not limited toany one configuration. For example, the engagement surface 95 may besubstantially planar or the engagement surface 95 may include anon-planar surface. Without limiting the invention, FIGS. 53 and 54illustrate exemplary curved engagement surfaces 95 that may be employedfor suitable operation.

Suitably, the adapter assembly 88 is operationally configured to preventthe carrier 75 from being pulled or otherwise manipulated directionallyout from the seating assembly 10 (see Directional Arrow AF in FIG. 48)when the carrier 75 is secured or otherwise set at an operationalposition as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. At a minimum, the carrier 75 issecured to the adapter assembly 88 via mating of the opposing hookmembers 90 within the opposing latch sockets 84 of the carrier 75. Whenattaching the carrier 75 to the remaining seating assembly 10, the catchmember 91 may be manually directed to a non-engagement position (seeDirectional Arrow AG in FIG. 52) thereby providing clearance of theopposing hook members 90 allowing the carrier 75 to be directed to anattachment position as shown in FIG. 51—with the opposing hook members90 set at a mated position within the opposing latch sockets 84 of thecarrier 75. In regard to the embodiments illustrated herein, the carrier75 may be manually directed toward the adapter assembly 88 along theengagement surface 95 and guided to an engagement position with both theopposing hook members 90 and the one or more hook members 94 discussedbelow. To release the carrier 75, the catch member 91 may again bedirected to the non-engagement position whereby the opposing hookmembers 90 may be directed out from a mated position with the opposinglatch sockets 84 allowing the carrier 75 to be released from the adapterassembly 88.

With reference to FIG. 52, the catch member 91 may be spring loaded orotherwise operationally configured to be biased to a first restingengagement position as shown. In one apposite embodiment, the anchorassembly 89, including the catch member 91, may be constructed from oneor more materials effective for the catch member 91 to be directed to asecond non-engagement position according to Directional Arrow AG via oneor more forces and then automatically return to the first restingengagement position when force is removed from the catch member 91.Likewise, the catch member 91 may be constructed from one or morematerials effective to operate as an upper catch of the carrier 75preventing the carrier 75 from disengaging the adapter assembly 88.Suitable anchor assembly 89 materials include, but are not necessarilylimited to metals, plastics, rubbers, composite materials, andcombinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the anchor assembly89 may be constructed from impact copolymer propylene.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 51, the anchorassembly 89 may also include a cover member 92 operationally configuredto enclose at least part of the catch member 91, the cover member 92being operationally configured to limit or control the maximum traveldistance or displacement of the catch member 91 when the catch member 91is directed to a non-engagement position according to Directional ArrowAG. By controlling the travel distance of the catch member 91, the catchmember 91 may be protected against any undesired bending, reshaping,splintering, or breaking as the catch member 91 is directed to anon-engagement position. In addition, the anchor assembly 89 may includeone or more biasing members operationally configured to bias the catchmember 91 in the direction opposite of Directional Arrow AG. Forexample, a biasing member 106 may be located along the anchor assembly89 for biasing the underside of the catch member 91 (see FIG. 52) in thedirection opposite of Directional Arrow AG. In another embodiment, theinner surface of the cover member 92 may include feet or ledge typemembers extending out therefrom for holding biasing members in a mannereffective to bias the catch member 91 in the direction opposite ofDirectional Arrow AG.

With attention to the simplified embodiment of FIG. 55, the pivotcrossbar 86 is suitably disposed laterally near the lowest most part ofthe backrest surface member 77 and operates as a pivot point for one ormore lower hook members 94. As shown, the pivot crossbar 86 may includea cylindrical member defined by pivot axis X-1 having opposing endsterminating at the opposing junctions 96A and 96B (see FIGS. 51 and 52),the junctions 96A, 96B operating as pivot point connections for opposingside members 80A, 80B of the handle 80 as well as a pivot axis for theseat surface member 76 and backrest surface member 77 as describedabove. The end caps 87 covering the junctions 96A, 96B are notnecessarily required but may serve to keep moisture, dirt and otherundesired materials out from the junctions 96A, 96B. In one suitablyembodiment, end caps 87 may be provided as pop-in style cap members. Theend caps 87 may also be riveted into place to prevent tampering. In anembodiment where the handle 80 includes a flexible material, a gearedhub may be attached to one or both ends of the handle 80 for pivotallycommunicating with one or both of the junctions 96A and 96B.

In operation, once the pivot crossbar 86 is directed to an engagementposition with the lower hook member 94, the carrier 75 may be rotatedabout the engagement point between the crossbar 86 and the lower hookmember 94 and directed toward the underside surface 82 and adapterassembly 88 according to the center of gravity of the carrier 75 andaccording to the surface configuration of the lower hook member 94 inrelation to the surface of the cylindrical pivot crossbar 86. As thecarrier 75 rotates, the attachment side surface 98 of the backrestsurface member 77 may be aligned with the anchor assembly 89 whereby thecarrier 75 may be lowered so that the hook members 90 can engage thelatch sockets 84 as shown in FIG. 51. Once engaged, the lower hookmember 94 is also operationally configured to impede travel of thecarrier 75 forward (see Directional Arrow AH in FIG. 55) therebyassisting in maintaining the carrier 75 in an engagement position withthe adapter assembly 88 during operation.

In one embodiment, the adapter assembly 88 may be attached to theunderside surface 82 as desired. For example, the adapter assembly 88may be attached to the underside surface 82 and/or a frame within thebackrest surface member 77 via one or more fasteners, one or moreadhesives, one or more welds, form fitted molds, and combinationsthereof. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the adapterassembly 88 may be releasably bolted to the underside surface 82 topromote ease of attachment and/or release of the adapter assembly 88.

In still another embodiment, the anchor assembly 89 may be reversed sothat the one or more fixed latches or hook members 94 may be locatednear the upper end of the backrest surface member 77 and the hook member90 and/or catch member 91 may be located near the bottom backrestsurface member 77. As understood by the skilled artisan, such a changein configuration may also change or alter the location of the one ormore apertures or openings 99 through the body member 93.

In another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 56-59, another type ofadapter assembly 88 and carrier 75 configuration may be employed. Here,the adapter assembly 88 may include attachment members in the form of(1) an anchor assembly 89 located along the bottom part of the bodymember 93 and (2) opposing protuberances 182 extending out from theinner surface of the body member 93 near the upper part of the bodymember 93 as shown, each of which is operationally configured to matewith surface configurations along the attachment side surface 98 of thecarrier 75. Without limiting the shape to any one particular form,suitable protuberances 182 may be multi-sided and/or cylindrical inshape and extend out from the inner surface of the body member 93 in asubstantially horizontal manner as shown. In this embodiment, the anchorassembly 89 includes a “T-shape” type configuration including elongatedarms 184 extending out substantially perpendicular from the end of astem member 186. As depicted, the stem member 186 is disposed through anenclosure 188 set along the bottom edge of the body member 93, theconfiguration of the enclosure 188 being effective to receive anenlarged head 187 at the distal end of the stem member 186 to travelwithin the enclosure 188 without escaping out the lowermost opening ofthe enclosure 188 thereby maintaining the anchor assembly 89 securelyattached to the body member 93. For example, in one suitable embodimentthe lowermost opening of the enclosure 188 is smaller than the uppermostopening of the enclosure 188.

With particular reference to FIGS. 58 and 59, the carrier 75 of thisembodiment includes channels 190 disposed along opposing sides of theattachment side surface 98 operationally configured to receive theopposing protuberances 182 in a slotted position therein. The attachmentside surface 98 also includes a catch member 192 extending out therefrom that is operationally configured to receive the enlarged head 187of the stem member 186 in an engagement position therein duringoperation of the seating assembly 10. Suitably, the anchor assembly 89includes one or more bias members 194 attached to the enclosure 188 andthe stem member 186 in a manner effective to bias the stem member 186 tomaintain the enlarged head 187 exposed out through the uppermost openingof the enclosure 188 as illustrated in FIG. 56. In operation, as thecarrier 75 is installed onto the adapter assembly 88 the opposingchannels 190 are aligned with the opposing protuberances 182 and set toan engagement position as illustrated. To lock the stem member 186 tothe catch member 192 the anchor assembly 89 may be manually directeddownward (see Directional Arrow AI) thereby directing the stem member186 within the enclosure 188 as shown in FIG. 57. Once the stem member186 is aligned with the lowermost opening of the enclosure 188, a usermay release the anchor assembly 89 whereby the one or more bias members194 suitably bias the enlarged head 187 to an engagement position withthe catch member 192 (see attachment position in FIG. 59).

As depicted in the simplified illustrations of FIGS. 60-63, the carrier75 may include one or more components or add-on features as desired oras otherwise required by one or more laws of one or more jurisdictions.For example, the carrier 75 may include a first support or kickstand 111pivotally attached near the front of the carrier 75 suitably along thebottom surface of the seat surface 76 effective to maintain the carrier75 in a fixed upright position when the carrier 75 is set upon a targetsupport surface, e.g., a floor, ground, table top, chair or bench seat,automobile hood, thereby setting the orientation of the seat surface 76and backrest surface member 77 in a fixed position. To further fix theposition of a carrier 75, i.e., fix the position of the seat surface 76and backrest surface member 77 relative a target surface, a carrier 75may also include a second support or kickstand 112 pivotally attached tothe rear surface of the backrest surface member 77. Similar as otherkickstand type devices, the present kickstands 111, 112 may be (1)pivotally directed against the bottom and rear surfaces of the carrier75, e.g., when the carrier 75 is set to an attachment position with theremaining seating assembly 10, and (2) directed to an open position forpurposes of maintaining the carrier 75 in an upright position atop aseparate support surface 105 as shown in FIG. 60. In one embodiment, thekickstands 111, 112 may be pivotally attached to the carrier 75 via oneor more hinges. In another embodiment, the kickstands 111, 112 may bepivotally attached to the carrier 75 via one or more pivot pins. Inanother embodiment, the kickstands 111, 112 may be removable membersattachable to the carrier 75, e.g., snap fit to the carrier 75, mated orabutted with one or more surface features along the carrier 75.

The carrier 75 may also include one or more connectors for furthersecuring the carrier 75 to the seat member 12 and/or for securing thecarrier 75 to vehicular child anchors as may be provided in a particularvehicle. In one simplified embodiment, connectors may include opposingstrap members 115A and 115B including attachment members 117 as shown inFIG. 61, effective to assist in maintaining the carrier 75 in a fixedposition with the remaining seating assembly 10 during use. In anothersimplified embodiment, the two opposing strap members 115A and 115B andattachment members 117 may be used for attaching the carrier 75 tovehicular child anchors of one or more vehicles. Without limiting theinvention, suitable strap members include, but are not necessarilylimited to flexible elongated straps, belts, cables, cords, ropes, andcombinations thereof. It is further contemplated that such strap membersmay also be stretchable as desired.

In one embodiment, the carrier 75 may include an opening through itsbody for receiving a single strap member there through, the strap memberhaving a length effective for use along either side of the carrier 75.In operation, the strap members 115A and 115B, or single strap dependingon the embodiment, may inserted between the first back surface 22 andfirst seat surface 20, whereby the distal ends of the strap members 115Aand 115B may be fastened to vehicular child anchors including but notnecessarily limited to an ISOFIX system, LATCH system, LUAS system orother operable mechanism of securement. In another embodiment, a singlestrap may be inserted between the first back surface 22 and the firstseat surface 20 from one side of the carrier 75 to the opposite side ofthe carrier 75.

The attachment members 117 may vary as desired or as otherwise requiredby law. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 61, the opposingattachment members may include snap spring clip hooks 117. In anotherembodiment, one of the straps may include a snap spring clip hook andthe opposing strap may include a ring member, a carabiner spring clip,and the like as is commonly used for attaching snap spring clip hooks.

In an embodiment for passenger securement purposes, the strap members115A, 115B may include a female end buckle type device with a releasebutton intended to receive the corresponding male end anchor of thelatch assembly in a manner commonly found in automobiles and the like.In still another embodiment for passenger securement purposes, the strapmembers 115A, 115B may include hook and loop fasteners forinterconnecting and holding the opposing strap members 115A, 115Btogether during use. In another embodiment for passenger securementpurposes, the carrier 75 may be provided with a single strap attached atone side of the seat member 12 and a buckle or loop attached to anopposing side of the seat surface 76 of the carrier 75 whereby the strapmay be pulled through and then over the buckle or loop and attach toitself via hook and loop fasteners disposed along the strap as known inthe art of hook and loop fastening belts. As such, the strap may betightened as desired according to the layout of the hook and loopfasteners.

For purposes of this application, the one or more strap members 115A,115B are suitably constructed from one or more flexible materialsincluding, but not necessarily limited to fabric materials, naturalfibrous materials, synthetic fibrous materials, rubbers, plastics,leathers, and combinations thereof. In addition, the attachment members117 of this application are suitably constructed from one or moredurable materials effective to maintain the strap members 115A, 115B ina locked or attached position during use. Suitable materials ofconstruction of the attachment members 117 include, but are notnecessarily limited to metals, polymeric materials, and combinationsthereof. Even though snap spring clip hooks and the like may beconstructed from one or more metals, one or more polymeric materials,and combinations thereof as desired, one suitable clip hook may beconstructed from stainless steel. Another suitable clip hook may beconstructed from aluminum. Another suitable clip hook may be constructedfrom polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”).

In still another embodiment the carrier 75 may include an adjustableseat belt harness operationally configured to be adjusted according tothe size of the passenger seated therein, e.g., adjustable along theseating surface of the backrest surface member 77 to accommodate theshoulder position of a particular passenger. As shown in FIG. 62, thecarrier 75 may include a five-point seat belt harness 119 havingattachments to both the seat surface 76 and the backrest surface member77. In other embodiments, a six-point seat belt harness as understood bythe skilled artisan may be employed. Although the configuration of theharness attachments may vary, a suitable five-point harness system mayinclude a belt adjusting mechanism and operate in a manner similar asthe harness systems provided by manufacturers including, but not limitedto Graco Children's Products, Atlanta, Ga., and Evenflo Company Inc.,Miamisburg, Ohio.

Turning to FIG. 63, the carrier 75 may also include a holder 118 for abeverage container such as a bottle or a cup. A suitable holder 118 maybe located along one of the sides of the seat surface 76 at a positionnot to encumber the handle 80 allowing the handle 80 to pivot aboutjunctions 96A and 96B through its complete travel distance (see thecutout portions 116 in FIG. 61 operationally configured to receive andsecure part of a holder 118 therein). The holder 118 may also be formedor otherwise operationally configured to hold various infant relateditems including, but not necessarily limited to wet wipes, tissue,diapers, medicine, and combinations thereof. The holder 118 may also beused to hold adult related items such as smartphones, keys, beverages,eye glasses, sun shades and other hand held items as desired. A suitableholder 118 may be constructed from polymeric materials, fibrousmaterials, metals, woods, composite materials, and combinations thereof.Suitable polymeric materials include rubbers and plastics such as ABS,polypropylene, and combinations thereof. Suitable fibrous materialsinclude cardboard, paperboard, and combinations thereof.

In still another embodiment as shown in the simplified illustration ofFIG. 64, a separate base member 121 may be provided as a universal typebase operationally configured to engage and hold the carrier 75 for usein other commercially available vehicular seats other than the presentseating assembly 10. As shown, the base member 121 includes a frameand/or a body having an upper surface operationally configured to engageand hold the backside of a carrier 75 in a fixed position during usesimilar as described above in regard to the adapter assembly 88. Withoutlimiting the invention to a single mode of operation, in one suitableembodiment both the carrier 75 and the base member 121 may be producedfrom molds or the like and shaped to maximize the surface area ofabutment between the two members providing a form fit for the carrier 75within the base member 121.

In one embodiment, the base member 121 may be constructed from likematerial(s) as the corresponding carrier 75 or one or more materials asdescribed above in reference to the carrier 75. As further illustratedin FIG. 64, the base member 121 may be provided with strap members 115A,115B as described above for attaching the base member 121 to a vehicle.In addition, the base member 121 may include a lip, hook or similarstructure for engaging and holding a vehicular seat belt restraint foradded stabilization of the base member 121 during vehicle operation. Instill another embodiment, a base member 121 may be provided with wheelsand push handles functioning as a stroller type device as known in theart for transporting a passenger in the carrier 75 apart from theseating assembly 10.

Still referring to FIG. 64, the base member 121 suitably includes twosections, namely, a seat base 122 and a backrest base 123 pivotallyconnected at pivot point 124 via a pivot rod. In another embodiment,each side of the base member 121 may have a separate pivot rod or pivotpin for promoting pivot action of the seat and backrest bases 122, 123.In still another embodiment, the base member 121 may be provided as aone piece shell. The base member 121 may also be provided with one ormore kickstands as described above effective for stabilizing the basemember 121 and for orienting the base member 121 as desired.

It is also contemplated herein that the headrest member 16 may includeone or more size and/or shapes as desired as otherwise required by law.In addition, the headrest member 16 may include a single body or it mayincorporate multiple component parts for adjustable use. As shown in thesimplified example of FIG. 65, the headrest member 16 of FIG. 2 mayinclude two fold out members 16A, 16B pivotally attached to a stationarymember 16C. Suitably, the fold out members 16A, 16B provide a space orvoid there between large enough to receive a passenger's head againstthe surface of the stationary member 16C. In addition, the fold outmembers 16A, 16B may extend forward a distance effective to providelateral shielding to protect a passenger's head from side impacts,and/or projectiles as well as undesired lateral head/neck movement.Accordingly, the fold out members 16A and 16B include outer surfacesthat are operationally configured to dictate the amount of rearwardpassenger head movement during use when the fold out members 16A, 16Bare set to a closed position (see FIGS. 2 and 7). When the fold outmembers 16A and 16B are set to an open position, the inner surfaces ofthe fold out members 16A, 16B and the stationary member 16C areoperationally configured to dictate the amount of rearward and lateralhead movement during use. In one embodiment, when the headrest member 16is set at an abutment position or near abutment with the top of thebackrest member 14, the fold out members 16A, 16B may extend forward ina manner whereby the lowermost part of the fold out members 16A, 16Bencroach part of the upper surface area of the second back surface 64providing a usable headrest member 16 for shorter passengers.

In one suitable embodiment, the fold out members 16A, 16B may bepivotally attached to the stationary member 16C via hinges 16D. Forautomobile operations, when set to an open position the distance fromthe surface of the stationary member 16C to the front or foremostsurface of each fold out member 16A, 16B is up to about 15.24 cm (about6.0 inches).

Although the seating assembly 10 is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or oreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but insteadmight be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more ofthe other embodiments of the disclosed assembly system and method,whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not suchfeatures are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thusthe breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited byany of the above-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike. Adjectives such as “typical,” “normal,” “known,” “common” andterms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the itemdescribed to a given time period or to an item available as of a giventime, but instead should be read to encompass typical, normal, or knowntechnologies that might be available or known now or at any time in thefuture. Likewise, where this application refers to technologies thatwould be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, suchtechnologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisannow or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use ofthe term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package, Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, might be combined ina single package or separately maintained and might further bedistributed across multiple locations.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that manymodifications may be made to the present application without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the application. The embodiment(s)described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not betaken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims. Alloriginal claims submitted with this specification are incorporated byreference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

We claim:
 1. An infant seat carrier including: a seat surface memberhaving a center longitudinal plane and a backrest surface member havinga center longitudinal plane, the backrest surface member being pivotallyattached to the seat surface member at opposing pivot axis junctionswherein the seat surface member and backrest surface member are pivotalbetween (1) a closed position wherein said center longitudinal planesare oriented in a substantially parallel alignment and (2) one or moreopen positions including open positions wherein the center longitudinalplanes define obtuse angles; one or more connectors releasablyattachable to vehicular child anchors; and at least a first lockingmechanism operable with one of the pivot axis junctions, the firstlocking mechanism being operationally configured to dictate pivotalmovement of the seat surface member and the backrest surface memberbetween said closed position and said one or more open positions.
 2. Theinfant seat carrier of claim 1 further including a handle attached atone or more of the pivot axis junctions.
 3. The infant seat carrier ofclaim 1 wherein a first locking mechanism includes a locking gearassembly comprised of outer gears and an adjustable gear stop memberoperationally configured to communicate with the outer gears in a mannereffective to prevent pivotal movement of the seat surface member andbackrest surface member.
 4. The infant seat carrier of claim 1 furtherincluding at least one support operationally configured to maintain theinfant seat carrier in an upright position when the infant seat carrieris set upon a target surface.
 5. The infant seat carrier of claim 1further including an adjustable five-point seat belt harness.
 6. Avehicular seating assembly having a seat member assembly and a backrestmember assembly, the vehicular seating assembly including a plurality ofvehicular forward facing seating configurations and a plurality ofvehicular rearward facing seating configurations, the rearward facingseating configuration including an infant seat carrier operationallyconfigured to be concealed from view when the seating assembly is set ata forward facing seating configuration, the infant seat carrier being(1) releasably attachable to the seat member assembly for rearwardfacing seating use and (2) releasably attachable to vehicular childanchors for standalone vehicular use apart from the seating assembly. 7.The vehicular seating assembly of claim 6 wherein the infant seatcarrier includes a seat surface member and a backrest surface memberpivotally attached to the seat surface member at opposing pivot axisjunctions in a manner effective for the backrest surface member to be(1) directed to a contact position with the seat surface member when theseating assembly is set at a forward facing seating configuration and(2) directed apart from the seat surface member to one or more openpositions when the seating assembly is set at a rearward facing seatingconfiguration.
 8. The vehicular seating assembly of claim 6 furtherincluding an intermediary member releasably attachable to the seatmember assembly, the intermediary member being operationally configuredto receive the backrest surface member of the infant seat carrier inreleasable attachment thereto when the vehicular seating assembly is setat forward and rearward facing seating configurations.
 9. The vehicularseating assembly of claim 8 wherein the backrest surface member includesone or more connectors for releasably attaching the backrest surfacemember to the intermediary member.
 10. The vehicular seating assembly ofclaim 7 further including a locking mechanism in communication with oneof the pivot axis junctions, the locking mechanism being operationallyconfigured to hold the backrest surface member at one or more fixedpositions relative the seat surface member.
 11. The vehicular seatingassembly of claim 6 wherein the infant seat carrier includes a handlefor manually carrying of the infant seat carrier apart from thevehicular seating assembly.
 12. A vehicular seating assembly including(1) a mounting chassis fixable to one or more vehicular surfaces, (2) aseat member assembly attached to the mounting chassis, the seat memberassembly having a pivotal seat member defining a first seat surface andan opposing underside surface including a mounting assembly disposedalong the underside surface, (3) a backrest member assembly attached tothe mounting chassis, the backrest member assembly having a pivotalfirst backrest member defining a first backrest surface when the firstbackrest member is set at an upright position, and (4) an infant seatcarrier releasably attachable to the mounting assembly.
 13. Thevehicular seating assembly of claim 12 wherein the elevation of thefirst seat surface relative the vehicular surface is adjustable.
 14. Thevehicular seating assembly of claim 12 wherein the infant seat carrieris operationally configured for standalone use, the infant seat carrierincluding one or more connectors releasably attachable to vehicularchild anchors of a vehicle.
 15. The vehicular seating assembly of claim12 wherein the backrest member assembly includes at least a firstinterchangeable removable member operationally configured to provide asecond backrest surface when the first backrest member is oriented in ahorizontal position.
 16. The vehicular seating assembly of claim 15wherein the first interchangeable removable member includes a harnesssystem defined by harness strapping, apertures disposed along the secondbackrest surface for receiving part of the harness strapping therethrough, and a tensioner system housed within the backrest memberassembly operationally configured to increase and decrease the length ofthe harness strapping extending out through the apertures.
 17. Thevehicular seating assembly of claim 16 wherein the apertures include acombination of a plurality of substantially horizontally aligned fixedslots interconnected with substantially vertically aligned grooves forreceiving the harness strapping there through.
 18. The vehicular seatingassembly of claim 12 including opposing side guard members exposed whenthe first backrest member is oriented in a horizontal position.
 19. Thevehicular seating assembly of claim 18 wherein the opposing side guardmembers further include extensible side shielding members effective todefine the width of the second backrest surface.
 20. The vehicularseating assembly of claim 19 wherein the extensible side shieldingmembers each include a perimeter frame member disposed along the edge ofan interior substantially planar panel member, the frame members beingoperationally configured to bend when the side shielding members are setat a retracted position when the first backrest member is oriented in anupright position.